Learning to live naturally : Stoic ethics and its modern significance /

"This book offers a sustained examination of the core Stoic ethical claims and their significance for modern moral theory. The first part considers the Stoic ideas of happiness as the life according to nature and virtue as expertise in leading a happy life and explores the senses of ‘nature...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Gill, Christopher, 1946- (Author)
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Oxford, United Kingdom ; New York, NY, United States of America : Oxford University Press, 2022.
Edition:First edition.
Subjects:
Online Access:Connect to the full text of this electronic book
Description
Summary:"This book offers a sustained examination of the core Stoic ethical claims and their significance for modern moral theory. The first part considers the Stoic ideas of happiness as the life according to nature and virtue as expertise in leading a happy life and explores the senses of ‘nature' (both human and universal) relevant for ethics. It also explains the distinction in value between virtue and ‘indifferents' and analyses virtuous practical deliberation as selection between ‘indifferents' directed at leading a happy human life. The second part studies Stoic thinking on ethical development (in their terms, learning to live naturally). It brings out the close interconnections between making progress in ethical understanding, in forming and deepening social relationships, and in emotional responses. The third part discusses how Stoic ethics, as interpreted here, can contribute to contemporary moral theory, especially virtue ethics. It suggests that Stoic thinking on the virtue-happiness relationship offers a cogent alternative to Aristotle, currently the main ancient prototype for virtue ethical theory. It explores ways in which Stoic ideas on human and universal nature can contribute to modern ethical debates, notably on how to respond effectively to the pressing challenge of climate breakdown. It also highlights the potential value of Stoic thinking on development and guidance for modern virtue ethics as well as discussing the powerful impact Stoicism has already had in contemporary ‘life-guidance'"--Publisher's description.
Physical Description:1 online resource (xii, 365 pages)
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
ISBN:9780192635815
0192635816
9780192635808
0192635808
9780191976537
0191976539