Topic 6- Romans: Stoicism

• Stoicism in General

  •  Greek Origin, c. 300 BC 
  • Roman adoption
  • Alternative to Polytheism
  • Most influential in Pax Romana 
  • Often oversimplified
• The World-Soul: The Basics

  •  Also called “Reason,” Divine Fire, “God”, ”Nature”  
  • Soul of the universe  
  • Origin and Destiny of each human soul  
  • Pagan gods symbolize world-soul acting in world
• The World-Soul: World-Soul and Fate

  •  World-soul does not wish evil 
  •  Guides events along a predetermined course
• The Stoic way to happiness: 4 easy steps

  •  1) Accept fate  
  • 2) Live according to Reason  
  • 3) Practice the Virtues­: Four cardinal Virtues­, Wisdom  (Prudence), ­Justice, ­Fortitude (Courage), ­Temperance­ 
  • 4) Control Your Emotions
• The Stoic Way to Happiness: Seneca

  •  Born c. 4 BC 
  • Cordova, Spain (Roman province) 
  • Educated in Rome 
  • Exposed to Stoicism 
  • Powerful under Nero, 54-62 AD 
  • Wealthy, corrupt 
  • Sentenced to death, 65 A.D.
• Stoicism and Christianity Compared

  Stoicism

  •  Reason valued 
  • Impersonal God/Fate  
  • Cardinal Virtues
  • No Grace
  • Goal: Happiness on Earth

  Christianity

  • Reason valued
  • Personal God/Providence
  • Cardinal Virtues + Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, Love)
  • Grace
  • Goal: Happiness in Heaven