PH100 Philosophy Terms: Stoicism & Epicureanism Definitions

Stoicism

An ancient Greek philosophy that became popular amongst many notable Romans. Emphasis on ethics. They considered destructive emotions to be the result of errors in judgment, and that a wise person would repress emotions, especially negative ones and that "virtue is sufficient for happiness."

Zeno

Greek philosopher who founded the school of philosophy called Stoicism

Stoa

In ancient Greek architecture, an open building with a roof supported by a row of columns parallel to the back wall. A covered colonnade or portico.

Epictetus

Stoic philosopher and former slave;

Enchiridion

The collection of compiled and edited teachings of Epictetus, a guide to moral conduct based on principles and precepts of Stoicism.

Negative visualization (premeditatio malorum)

Stoic technique of imagining a negative scenario in order to both prepare ourselves for that scenario and to make us more appreciative of our present good fortune

Dichotomy of Control

the Stoic idea that you should know the difference between and focus only on what you can supposedly control: your actions, beliefs about what is good or bad or desirable, and intentions (and not on things outside your control)

amor fati

Latin for "Love thy Fate;" a Stoic idea also associated with Nietzsche

Eternal Recurrence

The Stoic belief that the universe is on a repeating cycle of time; an idea also associated with Nietzsche

Determinism

The idea that fate cannot be altered by human action; everything is predestined to happen as it does by natural law

Marcus Aurelius

Roman emperor from 161 to 180 C.E., best known for his writings of Stoic philosophy in his Meditations.

James Stockdale

A United States Navy vice admiral and aviator awarded the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War, during which he was a prisoner of war for over seven years. He survived by remembering lessons from the Meditations and other stoic texts.

Voluntary Discomfort

A stoic practical exercises in which you intentionally put yourself in uncomfortable situations (taking a cold shower, sleeping on the floor, etc.). This serves as a preparation for hard times

Seneca

Roman statesman and philosopher who was an advisor to Nero

Stoa Poikile

The "Painted Porch," a covered colonnade in Athens; Zeno taught here

Logos

The divine principle that according to the Stoics orders the universe; also means logic or word. Later adopted by St. John's gospel as the "Word"

theism

belief in a god that is separate or different from the world

pantheism

the belief that God and nature are one and the same, or that the universe is itself divine

panentheism

the belief or doctrine that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it.

fate

A destiny preordained by the gods no matter what action a person takes in the present; often portrayed as a god itself.

fortune

Chance, luck; the unexpected twists and turns of life

Eudaimonia

happiness or flourishing

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A scientifically established and popular form of therapy that was originally based on Stoic principles of changing the ways we think about the problems of our lives.

Neo-Stoicism

A contemporary lifestyle and self-help movement based on Stoic ethics.

Epicurus

Greek philosopher who believed that the world is a random combination of atoms and that pleasure is the highest good (341-270 BC)

Atomism

Belief that everything in the universe consists of small indivisible particles.

Letter to Monoeceus

Epicurus's letter that outlines his philosophy on how to achieve happiness, emphasizing the importance of seeking pleasure wisely, understanding the nature of desires, and overcoming the fear of death and the gods.

Hedonism

A philosophy based on pleasure as the highest good. Epicurus taught this.

autarkeia

Self-reliance, ability to be self-sufficient, a key Epicurean philosophy