Stoicism - what is the direction in philosophy? The essence and characteristics of Stoicism

The philosophical ancient course of Stoicism is a kind of tribute to virtue, which teaches each and every morality, order and responsibility. These dogmas appeared during the late Hellenism and existed in ancient society for several centuries. Its name, the fundamentals and essence of this current was received in Greece, but very soon it became popular in the Roman Empire. It is impossible to tell about what stoicism is, briefly. Therefore, relying on the works of ancient sages, we will consider this concept more widely.

Origin and description

The approximate date of the founding of the school of stoicism in the ancient world is the 4th century BC. It was then that the first public appearance of Zenon of Kitios took place in the Portico of Stoa Poikile. He played the role of a teacher and told everyone about his discoveries and reflections in the field of philosophy. So he became the founder of a new school, which later literally overgrew with other dogmas and stereotypes. Generally speaking, stoicism in philosophy is masculinity, steadfastness, firmness and resilience to all life's trials. One can say with full certainty that the image of a typical Stoic, as he was depicted in the representation of the ancient wise men, was firmly entrenched in the consciousness of European society. Such a term always characterizes a person who is hardy, unsentimental, someone who feels a sense of duty to himself and others. It is also worth noting that Stoicism is the rejection of any emotion, since it is they that prevent a person from thinking sensibly and making rational decisions.

Periodization

In this issue, the opinions of scientists differ. Some researchers identify the so-called zero period in the history of the development of this school. It is believed that in Stoa Poykila sages who had exactly stoic views on life, gathered for more than 300 years before the birth of the founder of this current. Unfortunately, all of their names are lost.

The first period is the Ancient Standing . Last from IV to II century BC. His main character was, of course, the founder - Zenon of Kitios. Along with him acted Cleanthes and Chrysippus of Sol. The first stage of Stoicism is considered to be exclusively Greek, as far as the limits of the given country the teachings have not yet come out. After the death of their mentors, they were dealt with by students. Among them, one can distinguish Diogenes of Babylon, Cratet of Malls, Antipater and others.

Average Standing, or Stoic Platonism. It existed from the II to the I century BC. The main actors of the era are Posidonius and the Panetian of Rhodes. It was these representatives of Stoicism who began to transport their knowledge to Rome, where later they also became popular. The students continued to develop their school - Dardan, Diodot, Afinodor, and others.

Late Standing - from I to II century AD. This period is also known as Roman Stoicism, since it was in this state that the development of the doctrine continued. The main representatives of the third era are Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus.

Sometimes scientists distinguish and the fourth period of the existence of this school, which coincides in time with the third. In this case, late Stoicism is represented by Platonists and Pythagoreans. The main character here is Philo of Alexandria.

What is the basis of this philosophy?

In order to understand how the sages stated their thoughts in those days, what exactly they put into the heads of others, it is necessary to understand what the doctrine of stoicism was. The theory of this school, which Zeno "patented", was divided into three parts. It was logic, physics and ethics (just such a sequence). Often, it was compared to a flowering garden, where logic is a protective fence, physics is a growing tree, and ethics is its fruit. Similarly, these three parts were divided into egg-shell, protein and yolk (in a certain sequence). Zeno's colleague, Cleanthe, believed that Stoicism is a much broader teaching, because it should include more components. He introduced such sections as dialectics, rhetoric, politics, ethics, theology and physics. Those sages who continued to develop the teaching after the death of the founders, returned to the original theory, which includes three elements.

Logics

The logic of the Stoics consists of purely theoretical conclusions, each of which must be correct. At the same time, we note at once that it is impossible to compare them, since the theory of each subsequent one refutes the correctness of the previous one. To pass this stage of the teaching is necessary because, as Chrysippus argued, this changes the state of the material soul. So, let us briefly consider several logical conclusions of Stoicism:

• If there is an A, then there is a B. And there are, therefore, there is a B.
• A and B do not exist at the same time. And we have, therefore, B can not exist.
• There is either A or B. There is no B. Consequently, A exists.

Physics

To understand this section, it is important to remember that Stoicism in philosophy is a purely material thing. It is on matter that all his teachings are based, which reject both feelings and emotions, and other manifestations of something inexplicable and intangible. So, the Stoics world is represented as a living organism, which is the material part of the material God who created all this. This is exactly the person himself, the destiny of which is predetermined by the Creator - in this context it is called rock. Therefore, any objection to the plan of the Most High is meaningless and even punishable. Stoics believe that on the way to fulfilling their duty a person meets passion, which becomes his most important thorn. Eliminated from passions, the person becomes strong and ready to fight. Power, in turn, is the subtlest matter that is sent by the Lord.

Ethics of Stoicism

In the ethical aspect, Stoics are comparable to cosmopolitans. They claim that every person is a citizen of the universe, and everyone is equal to his Creator. On one level are the masters and slaves, barbarians and Greeks, men and women. Ancient Stoicism teaches everyone to be kind, guides the true path, forces oneself to develop and develop. In this case, any deviation from dogma, the betrayal of passions or the commission of sins are considered the lowest act. To put it more briefly, the essence of the ethics of Stoicism is that everyone is part of a mosaic, one of many elements of a common design. And the one who agrees with this, destiny leads to itself, and the one who refutes its mission, it drags.

Generalize this information

After we have examined all the elements of Stoicism, let us briefly describe it. It is necessary to live in harmony with nature, without harming others and yourself. It is necessary to obey your rock, to go with the flow, because everything has its own reason. It is necessary to remain impartial, strong and courageous. A person must always be ready to overcome any obstacle in order to become better and more useful for the world and for God. The characteristic of stoicism is also hidden in its affects. There are four of them: disgust, pleasure, fear and lust. Avoid these will help "ortho logos" - the right judgment.

Ancient Standing and Its Development

In those centuries when Stoicism was born in ancient Greece, it was more theoretical than practical. All philosophers who were his followers, including the founder himself, pored over the creation of a theory, the written basis of a new school. They succeeded, as we can see today. There were specific logical conclusions, a certain material base in the "physics" section, and also the results, which were entitled by the word "ethics". According to the ancient Greek sages, the essence of stoicism lies precisely in the dispute. This clearly demonstrates the conclusions that are considered logical. Perhaps, it is the Stoics who are the authors of the famous expression "truth is born in dispute".

Middle stage of development

At the turn of the era, when Greece became a colony of mighty and powerful Rome, the knowledge of the Hellenes became the property of the Empire. The Romans, in turn, preferred the cause to the word, because this school of philosophy ceased to be purely theoretical. Gradually, all the knowledge acquired by the Greeks began to be applied in practice. It was the quotations of the Greek sages who motivated many soldiers of the Roman army. Their words served as a support and support for people who were lost in life. Moreover, over the years, stoicism has become so established in society that the boundaries (but not completely) between slaves and masters, and between the sexes, are gradually eroding. In a word, Roman society has become more humane, judicious and educated.

Roman philosophy. Stoicism in its final years of existence

At the dawn of a new era, this current has already become a kind of religion and an unwritten life charter for every Roman. All the logic of Stoicism, its conclusions, laws and metaphors are in the past. In life, the main ideas of the Greek sages - the materiality of everything and everyone, impartiality and submission to rock. But here it is necessary to point out that it is at this time in the world that Christianity begins to spread, which gradually conquers all countries of Europe and Asia. And what about the affairs of the Roman Empire? For the Romans, Stoicism is everything. In this teaching was their life, their faith. They believed that a person should be as close to nature as possible. He must remain cold, extremely calm and restrained. But the main idea, which the Romans themselves derived, based on the knowledge of the Greeks, is a struggle with the fear of death. In their opinion, the person who coped with this flaw becomes one of the most important links in the universe.

Features of the development of stoicism in Rome

It is clear that if it comes to death, about fears, then this is a clear sign that philosophy is turning into theology. The second, as is known, people are afraid, therefore they obey all dogmas, following unconditionally to every rule. In the last years of its existence, Roman Stoicism acquired not only enormous proportions, but also pessimistic motives. For its representatives (and this was the overwhelming majority of the elite of society) it was no longer self-development and unity with nature, but full submission to rock, right up to the loss of its own "I". At the same time, the main task was to cope with the fear of death. I mean everyone was determined that at any time it might not become, and there is nothing to worry about. Especially clearly such motifs are seen in the work of Epictetus. They took root after Stoicism was adopted by Marcus Aurelius himself - the emperor of a great power.

Contact with Christianity

In the early years of its existence, the Christian religion found no followers in every corner of the globe. For a long time, people could not abandon ancient beliefs, from the traditions of their ancestors. In some cases they were connected with Christianity (dualism), the same tendency was traced in the Roman Empire. Since the first century of our era in the state on a large scale begins to spread stoicism. This could be compared with the new laws, which became mandatory for everyone. On apathy and oneness with nature, the Romans literally became obsessed, but very soon their views begin to change under the influence of a new faith. For a long time people, including the ruling dynasty, did not accept Christianity. Years passed, and the foundations of these theological teachings began to complement each other. It should be borne in mind that at that time Christianity was the youngest religion, it needed a certain basis that Stoicism could provide to it. Now we can clearly trace this relationship. After all, in both theories we are told that you can not be partial, you can not indulge in vices, evil, fear. Both Christianity and stoicism are the doctrines of kindness, of knowledge, of power, and of the fact that the ways of the Lord are inscrutable, and each of us must be submissive to the Supreme Plan.

Paradoxes and Cases

It often happens that a certain doctrine that stretches for several centuries, therefore, is composed by different people, as a result of which there are inconsistencies and some nonsense. That is what stoicism in philosophy is. This doctrine originated in the IV century BC and existed after this 600 years. In the course of development, there was not only a transition from apatism to pessimism. At the heart of the problem was the fact that a person is simultaneously subordinate to God and his plans, but at the same time internally remains free. It was the spiritual unhappiness that was preached by many Stoics in Greece and Rome. Modern researchers believe that this is one of the sides of logical doctrine. The first conclusion excludes the correctness of the second, and vice versa.

Stoicism in our day

It is almost impossible to meet a typical Stoic in the 21st century. The dogmas of the ancient teachings are comprehended either by researchers who are closely involved in this, or theologians, while adherents of predominantly Eastern religions (there are more similarities with the philosophy of Stoicism). Each of us can, to a small extent, draw the knowledge of ancient authors from the Bible. It is fair to say that even most of the sacred commandments are based on the ancient theology of the Romans. But sometimes people of our time still call Stoics. This happens if the person completely surrenders, becomes a fatalist, loses all faith in himself and his opportunities. Such people are typical apathes, who, as a matter of course, take any turn of fate, any loss or find. They do not really enjoy life and do not get upset if something terrible happens.

Afterword

Stoicism in philosophy is a whole science that existed for centuries and gave rise to many knowledge and teachings that appeared in the Middle Ages. Stoics believed that the universe is material, and every cell, every element has its own destiny and purpose. Because in no case can not resist those events that occur. Everything that happens has its own reasons, and a person living in harmony with nature, with this course of life situations, will be a worthy part of the universe. The one who resists all this will be unhappy. In any case, his fate is predetermined, and it can not escape from it. Because everyone has a choice. A person can come to terms with fate and live in happiness and ecstasy until death. Or to resist everything, making yourself and others unhappy.