Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom - Assignment Example

Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom Part A Question 1 Stoicism is illustrated as a philosophical thinking that advocates for the suppression of emotions. Ideally, Stoic supports living life “as it can be lived”. The practice of Stoic requires the application of reason to be able to handle emotions. The volition refers to the capacity to apply our will to be like a protruding rock surrounded by waves1. Emotions are often released; however, it depends on one’s reasoning and cardinal virtues like courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance. The capacity to disregard passion to be indifferent requires the Stoic application to be able to suppress emotion without creating a crisis. This way, people will exhibit the ability to control emotions. The consistency of power sets the foundation of happiness. The Antipater’s argument is based on dialectical maneuver which suggests that Stoic could return to Carneades. It is challenging to explain the foundation of achieving happiness while withholding emotions. However, the rationality of happiness is dependent on the objectives are not attached to happiness. The Antipater’s formula is supported by the Stoic reactions. The inclusion of (I2) shows hostility to the target and the goals are aimed at explaining the Stoic analogies of wisdom with dancing (H) or acting per Posidonius’ reaction2. According to Stoics, passion is impulsive which tends to dictate on the rationality that is contrary to nature. Fluttering refers to passion. This way, the essence of controlling emotions helps in developing one’s personality. The support of the goal-oriented conception depicts the expertise which was rejected by the Stoic analogies. Stoic abandonment of the suffering shows the virtue towards achieving happiness. The final good indicate the Stoic refusals to adopt the AN elements. The appetite elements include distress, fear, appetite, and pleasure3. This is significant in explaining the anchoring of emotions. Often fear and appetite occurs first while distress and pleasure follow. This occurs in trying to portray the common good in relation to appearing bad. The exhibition of the emotions explains the human attachment to emotions and how they exhibit each. Arguably, the irrational portrayal of emotions is contrary to nature as the original senses are equivalent to the “disobedient to reasons”. The disobedient to reason is due to the lack of withholding emotions hence minimal reasoning. Stoic arguments further put emotions as a threat to behavioral changes. Emotion disrupts human reasons and decisions often made based on emotions are erroneous and consequential. The account of human motivation follows the need to exercise power to control emotion. The greater the challenge experience depicts the need to have a greater Stoic mind in practicing power to overcome the challenge. Stoic focus to transform people’s lives to be better human beings hence the development of character which could include doing things that one is required to overcome fear. The practicality of Stoic lies on the confidence of putting oneself in a challenging scenario, for example, subjecting oneself with difficult people which in normal circumstances ignite anger. However, the practice is purposely set to help individuals handle anger. Stoic designs a distinctive approach in handling emotional life. For example, one does not expect good guidelines for behavior to be enhanced by emotions. As expressed by the Stoic motto “live according to nature” set a challenge in human approach in dealing with emotions. It is significant to be aware of what it means to be alive and be a human being. This way, one is conscious of the surrounding and adjusts accordingly. The universe is expanding which increases the chances of meeting with people and scenarios that may be challenging. Stoic believes that attention should not be given to our emotion. The daily interaction in life illuminates the need to focus attention on the human mind. Despite emotions being inclusive in the mental landscape, it is paramount that we ignore the emotive scenarios or face them amicably. The emotional storm must be handled in a different way, for example, if offended by a co-worker it is nonsensical to express anger, instead adopting a helpful perspective like approaching the issues with an act of virtue. As expressed by Stoic, people can still act soberly even when faced with “bad emotion”. Emotions should not define our next action but rather display a controlled life. The recognition of “good feeling” often referred to as “hai eupatheiai” which illustrate the essential good emotions. This includes wishes, caution, and joy. The development of good emotions was set to counter the “bad feelings” that defines the Stoic philosophy. Each of the virtues is set to neutralize emotion, for example, caution versus fear, wish versus appetite and joy versus pleasure. Under joy, one redeems sociability, cheerfulness, and delight while under wishing, generosity, kindness, affection, and warmth are expressed. Additionally, in the case of watchfulness cleanness and respect is achieved4. I firmly agree that we should at all times resist following our emotions when making a decision. Emotions tend to flaw our way of thinking and often it is done through spite which would indicate taking the wrong choice. This is critical in taking a turning point to be conscious of our emotions. Decisions require the right state of mind. For example, when one makes a decision to divorce their fiancée because of allegation would be a wrong choice given no tangible evidence is provided. Additionally, one ought to consider both the merits and demerits of taking a certain choice when emotions are blocked. Stoic emphasis of taking actions without being emotive helps in ensuring there are peace within oneself hence cases of regretting are minimal5. In conclusion, it is significant to be in control of emotions. Emotions blocks our thinking and informed decisions can lest be made. Ideally, following sentiments laid by Stoic helps in handling emotions especially when decisions are being made. The philosophical framework follows the application of virtues that create a conscious mind in approaching human challenges. Presumably, emotions associated with anger are considered harmful as it affects one’s relationship with others. Stoic approach on emotions requires confidence in restraining emotions and creating an avenue of being in control in our lives. Bibliography Stephens, William O. 2007. Stoic ethics: Epictetus and happiness as freedom. London: Continuum. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=711100. Read More