The ethical theory of Stoicism is characterized by its insistence on moral righteousness and responsibility. Stoicism espouses belief in a singular God who created everything in the world, and that this God originates not only events in the past, but also events in the future. Given this belief in God, there is a great emphasis placed on “moral duties” and “doing one’s duty strictly for duty’s sake” (Cooper, 2012). Not only did Stoics stress the importance of “living in accordance with virtues,” but they also emphasized the necessity of living “in agreement” and “living in accordance with nature” (Cooper, 2012). Living harmoniously with nature is important to Stoic ethical theory, as Stoics believe that nature exemplifies rationality. Therefore, virtuous living is analogous to natural living (Cooper, 2012). In creating this ethical theory, the Stoics openly credit Socrates: “The Stoics saw themselves as followers of Socrates” (Striker, 1996). This is unsurprising, as Socrates had a belief in a “natural standard of justice,” which would align with the Stoics’ focus on the aforementioned moral duties and living in accordance with nature (Striker, 1996). Given Socrates’ influence on Stoicism, some people consider him “the first author or at least precursor of a doctrine of natural law” (Striker, 1996). Additionally, Socrates also believed that “virtue could be defined as knowledge of good and evil, and that this knowledge was necessary—perhaps the only necessary—constituent of a good human life” (Striker, 1996). Socrates also emphasized the importance of other virtues, such as wisdom, courage and justice (Becker & Becker, 2013). The Stoics also esteemed these virtues, and they took great pains to live a “good” human life in accordance with their beliefs.
Conversely, the ethical theory of Epicureanism is characterized by its insistence on sensual pleasures and mortality. Epicurean philosophy outlines a way of life vastly different than that of Stoicism, and this philosophy has been subject to vilification: “Of the four major philosophical schools which formed the classical tradition of ethics, Epicureanism had the worst reputation and the least influence” (Becker & Becker, 2013). Unlike the Stoics, Epicureans believed that the soul was mortal and that “divine providence” was nonexistent, which in turn meant that the pursuit of pleasure was the most important pursuit in life (Becker & Becker, 2013). However, Epicurus believed that mental pleasure was superior to bodily pleasure, and some scholars have stated that Epicurus lived a life of moderation, not abject excess (Becker & Becker, 2013). Even though Epicureanism appears worlds apart from Stoicism, Epicurus was also influenced by Socratic beliefs. Specifically, according to Epicurean ethical theory, each individual is responsible for his or her own happiness, and taking responsibility for one’s own happiness is “part of the Socratic legacy” (Becker & Becker, 2013). Moreover, Epicurus’ insistence on mental pleasures also highlights the fact that he sees value in philosophical inquiry, just as Socrates did. Overall, though both Stoicism and Epicureanism differ from one another, they both share similar influences in the formation of their respective ethical theories.
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"Stoicism and Epicureanism: The Lasting Influence of Socrates".
- Becker, L. and Becker, C. (2013). A History of Western Ethics. New York, New York: Routledge.
- Cooper, J. (2012). Pursuits of Wisdom: Six Ways of Life in Ancient Philosophy from Socrates to Plotinus. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
- Striker, G. (1996). Essays on Hellenistic Epistemology and Ethics. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press.
