Stoicism

Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that was founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC. It is a philosophy of personal ethics informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world. According to its teachings, as social beings, the path to eudaimonia (happiness, or blessedness) for humans is found in accepting the moment as it presents itself, by not allowing oneself to be controlled by the desire for pleasure or fear of pain, by using one's mind to understand the world and to do one's part in nature's plan, and by working together and treating others fairly and justly.

History

Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC in Athens. Zeno's ideas developed from those of the Cynics, whose founding father, Antisthenes, had been a disciple of Socrates. Stoicism is predominantly a philosophy of personal ethics which is informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world.

Philosophy

Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. It does not seek to extinguish emotions completely, but rather to transform them by a resolute asceticism (a voluntary abstinence from worldly pleasures), which enables a person to develop clear judgment, inner calm and freedom from suffering (which it considers the ultimate goal).

Influence

Stoicism had a profound influence on the Roman Empire. The works of Seneca the Younger and Marcus Aurelius reflect the influence of Stoic philosophy. Stoicism continues to have a major influence on the development of Western philosophy, particularly in the field of ethics, where its impact on early Christian thought is particularly notable.

See also

• Cynicism
• Epicureanism
• Neoplatonism
• Skepticism

External links

• Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Stoicism
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Stoicism

Stoicism Resources
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