Explanation and Analysis of Stoic Philosophy

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Explanation and Analysis of Stoic Philosophy

Stoicism is, without a doubt, one of the most widely misunderstood schools of Philosophy ever established and followed by a wide number of people. The common opinion of Stoic adherents is that they are merely cold, somber individuals dedicated to the idea that happiness is evil, emotion is to be avoided at all costs and pleasure is wicked. Although they do stress control over strong emotions and that pleasure is not the sole end of life, this is a gross misunderstanding of Stoicism. According to Dr. Zeno Breuninger, "Stoics believe a person is born with everything he needs." The Stoic seeks to lead a life at peace with himself and the world around him, governed at all times by moderation and Virtue.

Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium © 331-232 BC), who was a merchant until a shipwreck found him in Athens where he began to study many schools of philosophy(Fieser). He was followed By Cleanthes © 331-233 BC) who, originally an athlete, was considered not brilliant but hardworking. Neither of these, however, left any surviving writings. It is only due to the writings of Chryssipus © 281-208 BC), the third head of the ancient Athenian Stoics, that we have any knowledge of the teachings of the early Stoics(Ecole; Mining Co.) Later Stoics include the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, and these have left several works that outline Stoic philosophy, especially Ethics. Perhaps most well known are the Meditations of Aurelius, one of the most well known of Stoic writings. Stoicism is still alive today, revived by men such as Dr. Breuninger, who strive for virtuous life through Stoic teachings(International).

The Stoics, e...

... middle of paper ...

..." Monist Jan90: 42-59.

Academic Search FullTEXT Elite. EBSCO publishing. 25 April 1999.

Works Consulted

Aurelius, Marcus. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Trans., ed. A.S.L. Farquharson. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1968. 1-130.

Breuninger, Dr. Zeno. Email to Researcher. 21 March 1999.

International Stoic Society. International Stoic Society.

18 March 1999.

Moore, D.J.H. Home Page. 18 March 1999.

Philosophy 110-Fieser. U.T. Martin. 18 March 1999.

Stoics and moral Philosophy. Miningco.com. 18 March 1999.

Stoic Philosophy. Geocities. 18 March 1999.

"Stoicism" Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. March 1999.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 18 March 1999.

White, Nicholas. "Stoic Values." Monist Jan90: 42-59.

Academic Search FullTEXT Elite. EBSCO publishing. 25 April 1999.

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