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Epictetus Stoicism Summary

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Lombardi Christian
Professor Edgar Foster
PHI 102 01
20 October 2014
Epictetus: A Man of Stoicism
During the Hellenistic Period Stoicism was introduced (Graver). Today Stoicism is defined as disregard to certain emotions (Graver). Yet the definition that we are given does not completely define the Stoic beliefs as practiced by the Stoics. Instead we are given a muddy summary of their theories because scholars do not have any complete doctrines written by the founders of this certain philosophy. Yet from what they have gained Epictetus stands out in the stoic community. Epictetus’s work is comprised into two main doctrines. One being the Handbook (Enchiridion) and the other being The Discourses. Each give a detailed account and guide to living through Stoicism. Throughout this paper I will be providing analysis on Epictetus’s account of a guide to the “good” life through Stoicism. …show more content…

Throughout this doctrine Epictetus describes how to basically rationalize emotions or thoughts which have negative connotations towards your mental well-being. This work seemed to be greatly influenced by Socrates such as how in chapter fifty one Epictetus writes, “ This is how Socrates attained perfection, by paying attention to nothing but reason in everything he encountered.” (Epictetus 251) This quote is important because of how it pertains to Epictetus’s work. Throughout he continually mentions how somethings are in our power and others are not. That the things in our power are free and the things that are not belong to others. Yet if we rationalize that theory and pursue the things that are in our power and ignore the things that are not in our power than we shall not be hindered by illogical

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