Epictetus, Discourses | The Profession of a Stoic Philosopher | Philosophy Core Concepts

This is a video in my new Core Concepts series -- designed to provide students and lifelong learners a brief discussion focused on one main concept from a classic philosophical text and thinker.

This video focuses on a key idea in Epictetus' Discourses, specifically on his discussions bearing on the profession of the Stoic philosopher.

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#Stoicism #Epictetus #philosophy

[simeonheath-moss]

This is an interesting point Epictetus makes, I'm surprised that it's had so few views but anyhow, i think this very much needs to be taken in to consideration when one attempts to shape their life and themselves in the path of reason and reflexive thought, i laughed when i looked at my own long hair and functional clothes, i just personally even sometimes agonise over if it is arrogant to call yourself a philosopher and then realise that this attitude actually elevates 'the philosopher' above just a human being living in accordance with reason and 'nature'.

sometimes to not get mixed up in that false dichotomy you have to go with the idea that 'i at least know i have a path' and then find out later what the label philosopher means to the person who attempts to live a life pursuing, assimilating, processing and (by the definition of philosophy) loving wisdom. I hope that made sense anyway.

[MrMarktrumble]

A stoic philosopher questions perceptions and avoids an over dependence on externals. Thus, he would be contradicting his principles if he dressed as a cross of a trappist monk, jedi warrior or  cliché hermit. For whom is this costume for? but hair grows by nature, and his clothes would be practical for the kind of life he leads.  I imagine, if he could, he'd have one cloak that would a) make sleeping on the ground easier b) warm in winter c) cool in summer c) easy to clean. He wouldn't have many, as that would be expensive, and then he would have to rent a closet to keep his extras, and that leads to mansions and incomes... there is a big difference on doing something for a few weeks, and to try to transform character. Holding out your arms horizontally can be done easily for a few seconds, but try 45 minutes. If you have lived as a philosopher, and have a memory you may find yourself in moments of anger or fantasy realizing that you have abandoned your principles. For my part, forget the title, keep questioning and trying to make sense out of how you live your life, forget your titles and degrees and with relative consistency keep choosing to live a good life. Setting ones self up as an exemplar is almost certainly a good way to fail.

[johnrose]

i determine the same may be said of world religions and spiritual discplines. look at their costumes: orange curtains, wood sandles, ornate beads, hats, hairstyles, hijabs, pendents and logos. is God so superficial? "im muslim, but im not practicing", what does that even mean! and how are you a christian ive you are not behaving like the Christ?

[ThirdEyeLove]

I always felt that the stoics were a bridge from the West and the Oriential philosophical systems like Vedanta and Buddhism...minus transmigration