Epictetus's stoicism can be thought of as 'mind over matter.' Controlling our emotions and rationalizing everything that happens to us as unalterable helps us accept things as they come. We're such small beings, grains of sand on endless shores, so how can we really change anything? And while we can't control the events that happen to us, we can control our emotions and react as though nothing fazes us. Stoicism can be thus applied to daily life so: if someone does or says something to offend us, we can simply ignore it.
We mentioned two great notions relating to Stoicism today.
One being a comparison of Stoicism to antidepressants. These are designed to ward off any chemically depressing thoughts and level out serotonin levels. Stoicism can do the same thing, but it can lower happiness as well.
Two being Stoicism in the modern social networking phase. Being Stoic meant showing no emotion, no preference or bias toward any one thing over another, since these ideas were supposed to be removed. Which meant no self-respecting Stoic would have a Facebook page. So, like most philosophers, an outcast. It's literally impossible to be an emotionless automaton, because we must perceive our emotions in order to suppress them, so it wouldn't be inaccurate to say Stoics are just regular people who transformed themselves into metaphorical mirrors, rather than sponges.
In conclusion, I'll sum it up with a final quote (credit to Brad): "[We must] maximize the things we can control, and minimize those we can't."
Zach Cox Sec. 13 Group #1
ReplyDeleteI apologize for intruding in another classes post ,but i can't find my author's post.
FQ : What was Epictetus's role before being a wizened philosopher?
Zach Cox Cont'd
ReplyDeleteDQ : When does being unfazed by uncontrollable events turn into being completely without emotion?
Generally, I believe our discussion on this particular topic went well, although I believe we focused a bit too much on what one could consider is out of our control and not enough on what could we distinguish as under the control of the average human being when speaking of the mind-set of the Stoic.
ReplyDeleteAugustine
FQ: What concept allowed Augustine to rationalize God's allowing of evil deeds and suffering?
DQ: Augustine's case explains, somewhat, the utility of including religion in Philosophy. Do you think there's a genuine usefulness in the inclusion of theology into philosophical discussion? Why or why not?
I had a good time talking about Stoicism in our discussion as I am continually struggling to come to terms with aspects out side of my control such as my past. Our text states that at the heart of Stoicism we are responsible for what we feel and think. This is absolutely correct but I think it is important to note that we cannot “control” our emotions. We must first look at different aspects of a situation and change how that event fits into our reality. In the case of Vice Admiral Stockdale, instead of seeing his torture and abuse as negative event in his life, he could see it as training to toughen his mind and body and will ultimately make him better. I imagine him quoting “pain is weakness leaving the body” many many times.
ReplyDeleteOverall I’m glad to see our group expressing their reflections and perspectives on these topics as our class progresses.
FQ: How did Augustine of Hippo believe Original Sin was passed down?
DQ: If God exists, is he all powerful and all knowing?
There is a time and place for everything. Being Stoic isn't all bad; however, you can't live your life completely emotionless and ever really experience happiness. The military calls it 'Military Bearing.' It is mainly expected in formations and ceremonies, though.
ReplyDeleteAugustine
FQ: What is theodicy?
DQ: Star Wars: Modern day Manichaeism?
I think that Star Wars depics this perfectly. It puts it into a different form than what you would usually think about, in order to make a story and get peoples attention, but it shows this battle between good and evil.
DeleteWe discussed how Stotic ways of living your life can be good, just not all of the time. You can not be completely emotionless all of the time. If you can learn to control whether your emotions take over it can benefit you though, you can remove emotions that could cloud your decision making in certain situations.
ReplyDeleteFQ: Which is easier to follow according to him, good or evil?
DQ: Is someones behavior a choice or constantly controlled by the battle between good and evil?
In class we discussed the pros and cons of stoicism. It has many of both, yet when it comes down to it, it seems that stoicism is a good therapy for your mind, but not a good mindset in which to constantly live, for you would have a very dangerous and risky one.
ReplyDeleteFQ: How did Augustine's youthful views change as he got older? What logic did he give?
DQ: To believe we have free will, "God" must have known and wanted us to have it, though he knew we would consequently commit evil. Why would he allow it in the first place?
A Person’s emotions run and determine the outcomes of your life. Learning to control your emotions, knowing when to let someone know about them and when to shut up. Learning these habits can make you a better and more respected person.
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