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Question 3: Comparing and Contrasting Socrates, Epicurus, and Epictetus and/or Aurelius on the Value of Philosophy
Socrates, Epicurus, and Epictetus, and Aurelius valued philosophy as a way of life in society. The philosophers’ arguments have some similarities and differences based on their approach to philosophy. Also, Socrates, Epicurus, and Epictetus teachings focus on living a happy life and peaceful coexistence in society. Similarly, philosophers talk about death and why humans should not fear death. He believed that the value of philosophy is safeguarding one’s soul. However, the philosophers differ in the interaction between humans, nature, and God. Epictetus and Aurelius were Stoic philosophers who argued that human virtue comes from nature, its processes, and understanding one’s place. Epictetus and Aurelius were Stoic philosophers who believed that people should be concerned with things under their control and accept other things as they happen. I speak in favor of Epictetus Stoicism because he describes how humans should interact with the natural environment and environment to influence things under their control and accept others beyond their control to achieve the ultimate goal in life.
Socrates argued that the role of philosophy is achieving practical results for society’s well-being. Thus, Socrates’ ethical system is based on human reason and desire for happiness rather than theological doctrine. Knowing oneself results in ultimate knowledge (Apology).
Socrates recognized knowledge and value as the foundations of philosophy. He argues that it is unjust to harm other people, whether a friend or enemy. Similarly, Epicurus and Epictetus applied philosophy as a guide to moral standards. According to Socrates, a man should take care of their soul more than wealth, body, or reputation. Wealth does not bring about virtue, but virtue brings good things to humans, including wealth. Socrates denies corrupting youth by teaching them philosophy (Apology). However, he declined to break the Athenian laws by escaping from prison. Socrates preferred a government ruled by knowledgeable and virtuous leaders who understand themselves rather than democracy or authoritarian government. Socrates lived a simple life, mingling with the public, renouncing wealth, and staying aloof from political ambitions. However, Socrates argued that a person should understand themselves before learning new knowledge.
Besides, Epicurus argues that people should study philosophy when they are young rather than old and weary. The Letter to Menoeceus talks about things that make a person happy. Epicurus suggests the philosophy empowers individuals to live good lives. He argues that God is immortal and blessed. Death is a deprivation of sensation and makes human mortality more enjoyable because nothing is terrible in losing one’s life. Indeed, death is more painful in anticipation (Letter to letter to Menoeceus). A wise man never fears death or seeks to escape life because life does not offend him, while the end of life is no evil. Even though the future is not ours, people should not lose hope of it. Epicurus argues that some desires are natural, while others are baseless. Also, not all natural desires are necessary because some are necessary to live, be happy, and others to get rid of uneasiness (Letter to letter to Menoeceus). Therefore, understanding human desires and preferences support psychological and physical well-being. Epicureanism challenged Platonism’s concept that learners should know about what one is learning. Epicurus suggests that pleasure is the ultimate good in human life in addition to tranquility, absence of pain, and freedom of fear.
Likewise, Epictetus was a Stoic who believed in things under control, setting standards, and prescribing one’s character. He argued that a person should distinguish things under control and those that are not. Epictetus and his student Aurelius argued that a person should not get upset or angry over things in which one has no control (Matheson 11). Thus, people should focus on behavior, pursuit, desire, opinion, and other things under their control. An individual is part of the greater political system. All humans are God’s children by rationality and divinity. Epictetus claimed that people should set standards to guide others. In other words, philosophers influence other people indirectly by their behavior and actions. Therefore, a person should consider their choices to ensure their time and energy is well spent. Epictetus’ philosophy is based on rationality and divinity, whereas Socrates’ arguments are only based on rationality. Also, Epictetus argues that one cannot escape death, but he can overcome its fear. A person should make the best of what is their control and take the rest as it happens. Epictetus and Aurelius believed that virtue comes through an understanding of nature and its processes. Nature is rational, orderly, and determines conditions in a person’s life. The Stoic philosophers argued that material things, feelings, bodies, and rational souls are transient or ephemeral.
Epictetus proposes the three areas of study (desires, impulse to act, and freedom from deceptions) that apprentice philosopher should learn.
I take Epictetus’ view to be the right one. Epictetus saw moral philosophy as a practical guide to living a better life and securing one’s “happiness” or “flourishing life.” Thus, schools act as hospitals where students seek treatment for their “illnesses” related to mistaken beliefs. Epictetus also argues that apprentice philosophers should learn their desires and aversions, impulse to act and not to act, and freedom from hasty judgment and deception. Thus, Epictetus’ Stoicism guides apprentice philosophers in learning and develop moral philosophy. Likewise, nature is an interconnected physical system where humans are only one part. The impulse to act or not act relates to an individual’s moral principles. Epictetus argues that people should enjoy all things one has loaned from the universe and be willing to give it back when nature reclaims the loaned item.
For instance, Muslims believe that Allah gives and takes. Allah gives His people children, but parents do not own children, nor do individuals own their bodies.
Individuals should avoid investing in things out of their control. The secret to a happy life is utilizing all things under one’s control and leaving others as they happen. A person should invest in virtues and virtuous activities and avoid evil or actions motivated by vices.
Consequently, the reason that speaks against Epictetus’ Stoicism view is the humans’ inability to distinguish things that one can and cannot control. Individuals have partial control in some situations where one’s actions contribute to outcomes, but not definitely. An individual is just one part of a complex causal chain. For instance, there is no single person who is responsible for climate change. Global warming is the outcome of transnational systems and policies. Partial control in Stoicism creates a dilemma about the noble course of action to achieve happiness.
Epictetus ‘philosophy provides a more practical guide to ethical systems based on human interaction with nature and divinity. The philosophers value morality and achieving the ultimate goal in life. Also, Socrates, Epicurus, and Epictetus argue that humans should not fear death because it is inevitable. Epictetus claims that people should be concerned with things under their control and accept other things as they happen to achieve the ultimate goals in life.
Works Cited
Matheson, P. E. The Enchiridion. Los Angeles: Enhanced Media Publishing, 2015.