Tanner Campbell's Blog, page 11

Stoic Compatibilism with Prof. Christopher Gill

In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Christopher Gill of the University of Exeter. As a renowned scholar in Ancient Thought and author of several influential books, including the recent "Learning to Live Naturally," Professor Gill shares his deep insights into Stoicism. Our discussion centers on Stoic Compatibilism, Nature, Free Will, and Autonomy, offering a unique perspective on these classical concepts.

Professor Gill elaborates on the Stoic view of universal causal determinism and how it coexists with human autonomy and rationality. He emphasizes that adult humans, unlike other beings, possess the ability to make rational choices, setting them apart in the deterministic framework of the universe. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about Stoicism, particularly the notion of fatalism.

A highlight of our discussion is Professor Gill's explanation of the Stoic interpretation of free will and autonomy, which differs significantly from modern concepts. He clarifies the Stoic stance on determinism and responsibility, illustrating how past experiences and actions shape our decisions, yet we remain the architects of our destiny through the character we develop.

Additionally, Professor Gill discusses his latest book, shedding light on core Stoic ethics, the process of learning to live in accordance with nature, and Stoicism's relevance to contemporary ethical challenges, including environmentalism.

This episode not only deepens the understanding of Stoicism but also connects ancient philosophy to modern-day contexts, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary thought.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

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Published on December 08, 2023 06:30

From Complaints to Stoic Wisdom

In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into Enchiridion 10, a personal favorite, which prompts us to consider how we can use our abilities to properly handle different situations in life. The core message revolves around transforming life's challenges into opportunities for practicing virtues like self-restraint, fortitude, and patience.

I candidly share my own struggles and complaints, such as dealing with a complicated emigration process, to illustrate how easy it is to fall into the trap of blaming circumstances or external factors for our problems. However, I've noticed a significant decrease in my own complaining since starting this podcast, indicating a shift in my approach to life's challenges.

I liken life's journey to the animated travel paths in old cartoons, specifically referencing "Duck Dodgers." These journeys, filled with twists, turns, and occasional collisions, symbolize the times we navigate through life, reflecting and learning about virtue and character. It's in these moments, like arguments with loved ones or facing personal challenges, that we have the chance to apply our theoretical musings about virtue to real-life situations.

Epictetus, I believe, suggests that these challenging moments are necessary for testing and applying our virtues. Without these 'nexus points,' we wouldn't have the opportunity to demonstrate our character and growth. It's not about craving misfortune, but rather recognizing and embracing these events as chances to prove and improve ourselves.

I conclude by emphasizing the importance of perspective in dealing with life's adversities. How we respond to these situations, like the loss of a beloved pet, can either reveal weaknesses or strengths in our character. It's about choosing to see these incidents as opportunities to define our path, rather than as mere setbacks. This mindset shift is crucial for personal growth and aligning closer to the ideals of Stoicism.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on December 06, 2023 11:06

Keeping Stoic Focus When Angry

Today's episode features Meditations 5.26. I delve into the profound teachings of Marcus Aurelius, focusing on the importance of maintaining rational control over bodily afflictions. Marcus advises us to accept natural sensations like pain without labeling them as good or bad. He emphasizes the need to avoid letting physical discomforts, such as pain from minor injuries, overwhelm our rational faculties. This concept resonates with me personally, as I share an ongoing struggle to manage my anger towards someone who, despite not harming me in a Stoic sense, has greatly upset me.

I explore the difficulty of practicing Stoic teachings in real life, acknowledging the challenge of not holding grudges or judging others harshly for their actions. Reflecting on Seneca's wisdom about the universality of human error and the importance of forgiveness, I discuss how holding onto anger can be more harmful to ourselves than to others. I recommend a pragmatic approach: giving ourselves space and time to process our feelings before confronting the source of our anger. This method may not be strictly Stoic, but it is a practical way to handle intense emotions, ensuring we don't react in ways that could escalate conflicts or harm relationships.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-reflection and philosophical exploration. Remember, if you're dealing with anger, it's okay to take a step back and give yourself time to cool off.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on December 04, 2023 09:00

Beyond Circumstances: Embracing Choice in Stoic Philosophy

In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound teachings of Enchiridion 9, a text that compellingly explores the concept of freedom of choice. The irony isn't lost on me that we're discussing this topic, especially as we anticipate introducing the third guest in our series soon.

Enchiridion 9 teaches us that our physical conditions, like sickness or lameness, do not impede our ability to choose. This wisdom comes from a former slave who experienced physical torment firsthand, urging us to realize that our choices, not our circumstances, define us.

I take this opportunity to question the very essence of how we perceive experiences and their impact on us. For instance, if being robbed makes us live in fear of a repeat incident, is it the event itself or our irrational fear that shapes this reaction? I also extend this discussion to the concept of psychological trauma, which I'm starting to see as a series of unchecked, illogical choices that solidify into behaviors. This perspective might be contentious, but it's vital to explore how our choices, rather than experiences, mold us.

Our discussion then shifts to the role of experiences in shaping our character. While they offer opportunities to make choices, they don't necessarily constrain us - only our decisions can do that. I relate this to a video game concept where choices impact a character's appearance, symbolizing how actions, more than circumstances, define our moral and ethical makeup.

Finally, I examine how circumstances influence our choices, using the example of stealing out of necessity. I argue that even in dire situations, our choices, guided by virtue or vice, are paramount. In Stoicism, the pursuit of virtue is the ultimate goal, transcending even the instinct for survival.

In conclusion, this episode underscores that in the realm of Stoic philosophy, it's always our choices, not our experiences or circumstances, that hold the true power.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on November 29, 2023 02:00

Character And Action In The Face Of Wrongdoing

Today's episode takes a deep dive into a particularly challenging meditation from Marcus Aurelius – Meditation 25 from Book 5. This meditation, often misinterpreted, addresses how we should respond to the wrongdoings of others. It reads: "Another does wrong. What is that to me? Let him look to it; he has his own disposition, his own activity. I have now what Universal Nature wills me to have, and I do what my own nature wills me to do."

At first glance, this might seem like Marcus is suggesting we ignore the misdeeds of others as they are none of our business. However, this interpretation misses the point. Instead, Marcus is guiding us to focus on our own character and actions, especially when confronted with wrongdoing.

The real question is not about the character of the wrongdoer, but about our own. As witnesses to an act of wrongdoing, our reaction speaks volumes about our character. For instance, if you're a police officer and witness domestic violence, your response is a direct reflection of your character. But what if you're just a bystander on public transit? Is it still your concern? Yes, because how you respond – whether you choose to intervene or not – reveals your own virtue or vice.

The key takeaway from Marcus' meditation is the importance of discerning our role in each situation. Whether we're a bartender, a priest, an off-duty cop, or a student, our roles and attributes should guide our actions. It's not always about physical strength or confrontation; sometimes, it's about offering help in a way that aligns with our unique strengths and roles.

In sum, Marcus Aurelius isn't telling us to ignore evil; he's reminding us to focus on what we can control – our own character and actions – and to act virtuously when faced with wrongdoing, not for others' sake, but for our own.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

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Published on November 28, 2023 13:30

Free Will Part Deux

In this podcast episode, myself and guest Dr. William O. Stephens, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University, delve into the concept of free will in Stoicism, defined as "uninhibited freedom of choice." Initially, I share my emotional response to criticisms received on a previous episode about free will. Recognizing my response as un-Stoic, I offer an apology and clarify my views, emphasizing my responsibility in presenting Stoicism accurately, especially to the young and impressionable audience.

Dr. Stephens and I explore whether Stoicism supports the idea of free will. We discuss the Stoic view of the universe as a blend of fate and individual agency, emphasizing that Stoicism is not deterministic but compatibilist - it allows for free will within a framework of causal determinism. This perspective aligns with my understanding of free will in Stoicism, which I define as the ability to make one's own choices, free from external coercion.

We delve into Stoic psychology and the concept of 'lecta' (sayables or propositions) and how these relate to human decision-making. Dr. Stephens explains that while Stoics believe in fate, they also maintain that individuals have the freedom of ascent, the ability to agree or disagree with presented propositions, thus exercising free choice.

The episode also touches upon different philosophical positions regarding determinism and free will: hard determinism, soft determinism (compatibilism), and libertarianism. We establish that Stoics are compatibilists who believe in both causal determinism and human freedom to choose, making them morally responsible for their actions.

A significant part of our discussion revolves around the Stoic concept of 'prohairesis' (faculty of choice or volition), particularly in the teachings of Epictetus. This faculty is central to Stoic ethics, embodying the idea that our choices and decisions define us.

We also address misconceptions about Stoicism being fatalistic, using examples like the 'lazy argument' to illustrate how Stoics view the role of human agency in a predetermined universe. Additionally, we discuss the Stoic doctrine of eternal return and its relevance (or lack thereof) to Stoic ethics and individual freedom.

In conclusion, Dr. Stephens and I affirm that freedom of choice is a crucial component of Stoicism. This episode reaffirms my commitment to Stoicism and its practical application in modern life, regardless of minor differences in interpreting some of its ancient doctrines.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on November 24, 2023 07:09

Free Will: Stop Denying It

In this episode, I explore the complex topic of free will, particularly through the lens of Stoicism and its modern interpretations. I begin by defining free will as our capacity to act, think, or behave in ways that aren't predetermined by past events. I delve into Sam Harris's book "Free Will," which posits that our brains make decisions before we're consciously aware of them, challenging the existence of free will. However, I argue against this perspective, suggesting instead that the brain develops cognitive shortcuts for decision-making, a concept that aligns with Stoic philosophy.

I then shift the discussion to the potential dangers of embracing determinism or the absence of free will, especially for young people. I express my concerns that such beliefs can lead to nihilism and morally dubious actions, as they imply our choices are predestined and meaningless. I emphasize the importance of upholding the idea of free will to prevent societal and character degradation.

I critique the deterministic view of the ancient Stoics, who believed that everything, including our choices, is predestined. I find this view contradictory to the essential Stoic principle of making virtuous choices. I also discuss and dismiss the concept of 'co-fating' introduced by the ancient Stoic philosopher Chrysippus as circular reasoning.

After a brief pause, I present my theory: fate exists but is suspended in the human mind. I argue that while time and inanimate objects are fated, conscious beings, particularly humans, can act independently of fate due to their concentrated 'logos' or reasoning power. This theory suggests that while the universe (fate) moves forward in time, we, as humans, can make independent choices.

In conclusion, I affirm that Stoicism remains a valuable philosophy, albeit one that needs to be interpreted in the context of contemporary knowledge and science. I propose that practicing Stoicism can foster the development of cognitive shortcuts for making virtuous choices, thus aligning our actions with nature. I end the episode by reaffirming Stoicism's relevance and acknowledging the limitations of ancient Stoic philosophers in grasping concepts beyond their scientific understanding.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on November 21, 2023 23:36

3 Things To Remember Daily

In today's episode, despite battling sickness, we delve into Meditation 24 from Book 5 of Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations'. We explore the profound Stoic concept of our minuscule existence in the vastness of the universe and the flow of time. Marcus prompts us to acknowledge our tiny role in the grand chain of causation, reminding us of our shared substance with the cosmos. This meditation serves as a humbling yet empowering reflection on our place in the world. Additionally, we discuss the importance of practicing philosophy in daily life, moving beyond mere reading to active application. Join us as we dissect these timeless Stoic insights, offering practical 'homework' to truly embody Stoic principles in our journey towards virtuous living.

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Support my work directly on Patreon : https://stoicismpod.com/members

Subscribe to my Everyday Stoicism blog : https://everydaystoicism.com

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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Published on November 19, 2023 16:30