What is stoicism According to Epictetus?
Epictetus was a Stoic and he held that only through self-mastery could we live in accordance with nature. Self-mastery consists of the use of reason and living virtuously. Above all else, the philosophy of Epictetus was a practical one that sought to help people live a good and meaningful life.
What was Epictetus known for?
Epictetus (l.c. 50 – c. 130 CE) was a Stoic philosopher best known for his works The Enchiridion (the handbook) and his Discourses, both foundational works in Stoic philosophy and both thought to have been written down from his teachings by his student Arrian.
Which emperor wrote meditations?
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius wrote the Meditations, his reflections in the middle of campaigning and administration. The extent to which he intended it to be seen by others is uncertain. It shows the strong influence of Stoicism on Marcus and has been held by generations as the thoughts of a philosopher-king.
Do Stoics believe in evil?
The Stoics maintained, quite controversially among ancient ethical thought, that the only thing that always contributes to happiness, as its necessary and sufficient condition, is virtue. Conversely, the only thing that necessitates misery and is “bad” or “evil” is the corruption of reason, namely vice.
What kind of books did Arrian write about Epictetus?
Photius states that Arrian produced two books the Dissertations and the Discourses. The Discourses are also known as Diatribai and are apparently a verbatim recording of Epictetus’ lectures. The Enchiridion is a short compendium of all Epictetus’ philosophical principles.
Who was Arrian and what did he do?
Main articles: Discourses of Epictetusand Enchiridion of Epictetus Arrian was a pupil of Epictetusaround 108 AD, and, according to his own account, he was moved to publish his notes of Epictetus’ lectures, which are known as Discourses of Epictetus, by their unauthorized dissemination.
How many books are in the discourses of Epictetus?
Discourses of Epictetus. The Discourses of Epictetus (Greek: Ἐπικτήτου διατριβαί, Epiktētou diatribai) are a series of informal lectures by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. Four books out of an original eight are still extant. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical.
Where did the Diatribai of Epictetus get its name?
The modern name comes from the titles given in the earliest medieval manuscript: “Arrian’s Diatribai of Epictetus” ( Greek: Ἀρριανοῦ τῶν Ἐπικτήτου Διατριβῶν ). The Greek word Diatribai literally means “informal talks”. As to the date, it is generally agreed that the Discourses were composed sometime in the years around 108 AD.