Stoic Ethics (Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses) - A Course In Ethics

[@philipcarpenter6718]

Professor Sadler is good to allow his lectures online for free. If they were garbage it wouldn't be much of a gift, but considering he does, from what I've seen, do a good job of staying true to the source material.and does a great job of giving a comprehensive and interesting analysis. I've only recently become interested in Stoicism and plan on spending the next year studying their thought. Glad to have access to these.

[@Paljk299]

I particularly enjoyed this lecture, thanks. I've read about Stoicism in the past and always liked some of the ideas. It sometimes reminds me of the ethics and approach to life espoused by some Buddhist philosophy . I think parts of it are a bit too demanding for most people, yet adopting some of the Stoic approach can be really useful in life.

[@GregoryBSadler]

It can be -- that's ultimately the goals of ataraxia and apatheia. But, the very engagement in the struggle -- lots and lots of Stoic discussion about this -- is probably much more common

[@GregoryBSadler]

you're welcome -- glad you liked it!

[@GregoryBSadler]

I've read parts of it -- and really need to make the time to read it "in full"

[@GregoryBSadler]

Thanks! Got an online class going on through Marist that actually starts today.

[@benjaminhowes1027]

Have you read Tom Wolfe's A Man in Full? Turned me on to stoicism. Really enjoy the reasoning of Epictetus.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Just to give you an idea about what the market is like -- when I was on the market 5 years ago, there were on average 300 applicants (all with Ph.D.'s or working on the dissertations) for every position for which I applied. Now, its probably closer to 500

[@GregoryBSadler]

There are some similarities between Stoic and Buddhist approaches -- and the self-scrutiny, discipline, focus on paying attention to one's reasoning, etc.

[@GregoryBSadler]

So, you're asking whether we ought to have some controls on dogs, given that they're not capable of free, rational choice, like we are? -- note that such restrictions would bear, not so much on dogs as agents, but on human beings as agents

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well. . . I moved up here to New York to live closer to my now-wife, who has a good job up here, so we're not interested in going back to the long-distance-relationship kind of arrangement. The other thing is -- there has to be an opening before you can apply. And, there's not many openings these days (actually for almost a decade)

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, one is unlikely to make a lot doing the modern equivalent of holding the chamberpot! Then again, I can't say I've ever made $5000 per month (even before taxes)

[@marcodicuccio2858]

I was not a philosophy major because I think it is too much minutiae and distinctions without differences. I am sure someone who is can explain why I am wrong. I think most of the Stoic perspective is very useful and is probably the "perfect" philosophy for life. I am shocked it is not more widespread, at least among intelligent people. Btw, Penn Gillette's character here is his best one yet. Penn was brilliant in this. Great lecture.

[@METALKILLSemosNpunks]

They're indifferent to negative emotions but can rejoice when something good happens to them for example the lottery but he/she keeps in mind that that money won in the lottery could vanish at anytime.

[@JakevO8]

Great lecture! Wish you were my Ethics teacher!

[@GregoryBSadler]

When you find out, let me know

[@Yankees94]

I just came across Stoicism because I read Ij Acts of Apostles that Paul had a discourse in Athens with stoic philosophers. How does stoicism relate to Christianity or Paul's "Judaism"

[@GregoryBSadler]

+David Viscuso That's a complicated answer. The short, but not very illuminative answer is that Stoicism was one of many parts of the general culture at the time

[@asolis8]

thanks for posting!

[@MrMarktrumble]

very good lecture. To paraphrase Eckhart: the eye that I see god is the same eye that god sees me. There's a lot going on when the ruling part sees itself.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Indeed -- and Epictetus considers that ruling part a bit of divinity

[@chewybrian7182]

Dr. Sadler, I heard you again here say that you don't 'buy the whole package of stoicism'. I've heard this in other videos, where you say you can not call yourself a stoic. Yet, you certainly appreciate much of what they say, for example including The Discourses in your top three books. This is a bit odd, as you are quickly becoming the face of modern stoicism in the U.S. What I am leading up to is that it would be interesting to see you do a broadcast on what specifically you do not agree with from stoicism. I struggle to find any aspect that is not appealing at first glance, and I am very curious what you find unappealing from your rather unique perspective. thanks

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'd say that if anyone is becoming the face of modern Stoicism in the US, it's Massimo. Here's a Quora answer that touches on what you're asking about - qr.ae/TUpAO2

[@dr.bimbambula]

thank you

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@therrydicule]

Well, I think I took your question too seriously then... For the wife, I understand... I would have done the same... And the openings, I understand, it seems that really few wants to learn about classics, or grammar. But, I don't know that market really well - I'm not interested in teaching.

[@therrydicule]

Where do I apply for that $5000 a month job from the comment?

[@therrydicule]

Holly... I understand why you want to avoid such risk, because it looks pretty insane to try to compete against 500 Ph.Ds for one position. At least, it seems to worth it.

[@therrydicule]

Well, I was joking... But the teacher in front of my class right now is paid $100,000 a years to speak about antique philosophy, which is exactly why I was watching your video... So, since this video seems to do similar stuff, with a different angle, why don't you look for work in Canadian college and universities? I mean, if you have the background for it...

[@GregoryBSadler]

Great minds think alike -- hahaha!

[@bitterherbs94]

Charlie Sheen blinks and changes his habits

[@GregoryBSadler]

You think?

[@bitterherbs94]

No but its a funny quote from his interview.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Aha. Well, I suppose tiger blood will do that. . .

[@FinFunnel68]

Example of Stoicism: A person who wins the lottery would not be excited but also if the person husband/wife died they would not be sad either. The indifference to emotional events.