Emily Le s3475861

PHIL 1002 Discussion Starter

Week 5: Stoicism

Judgment and Attitude

Epictetus takes an extreme view on how to utilize your own judgment and attitude to achieve
inner happiness. In Chapter 1 of The Enchiridion, he tells us to remind ourselves of the nature of our
beloved objects in order to cope with losing it. If, for instance, we have a favorite cup, we should
remember that it is only a cup. That way if the cup were to break, we would be able to tolerate it. He
applies the same thinking to living objects. If we have a spouse or child, for example, remember that
they are only mortal, so if one may die, we can tolerate it.
This kind of thinking seems cold and borderline cruel. To think of loved ones as an object with an
expiration date is like comparing your wife or husband to a carton of milk in the fridge that will
eventually spoil. But to say that stoicism is being emotionally distant and unfeeling is unfair. What I
interpreted from Epictetus The Discourse is that we must take a logical view on life. We must place
value in elements that are within our control, such as our desires, ambitions, and perspective. If we
were to rely on uncontrollable external factors as our source of happiness, like our properties and our
reputations, then we are to blame for what suffering may ensue. Epictetus writes, Men are not
disturbed by things, but rather the view we take on them.When, therefore, we are hindered, or
disturbed, or grieved, let us never blame anyone but ourselves; that is, our own judgments (Epictetus,
1944).
The notion seems easy enough to follow, however why is it that so many of us disregard our rational
faculties and pursue resources out of our control? If we are free to think and act as we like, why do we
forget to exercise our rational power of judgment? Epictetus reasons that we, as a society, have been
brought up to place value in vain things that we cannot really rely on for wellbeing and happiness
(PHIL1002 Lecture 5). While I agree with the fact that a majority of society is materialistic in their pursuit
of money and decadence, I cant picture a society that can simply live free from the constraints of other
things.
This is because are all tied down by the ones the love and the things we love. So how do you go about
finding happiness from within? I ask the class, do you all agree with the idea that in order to be happy,
we must detach ourselves emotionally and solely focus inward?


Bibliography
Epectetus. Discourses and Enchiridion, (p. 331-352). Roslyn, N.Y. : Published for the Classics Club by W.J.
Black, c1944.
PHIL1002 Lecture 5, pg 3.