Stoic doctrines

Stoic Teachings

Stoic teachings covered subjects such as logic, then physics, and ultimately an in-depth discussion of ethics. Stoic philosophy places reasoning capacity at the heart of man’s growth and development. The virtuous life advocated by Stoics meant leading a life of undeniable virtue. By extension, he meant that one should perform their roles and duties to the best of their capacity. Stoicism encourages people to examine themselves in order to find their roles in life and how to carry them out in a virtuous manner.

Human Instincts and Rational Instincts

Furthermore, Stoicism reckons that human beings possess instincts such as lust, hunger and strong desires for something that is fundamental to all animals. However, the utilization of rational instincts helps to distinguish humans from other animals. Similarly, Stoicism further holds the opinion that a good life is attained with the fulfillment of duties and responsibilities owed to family, friends, and community since all human beings possess the traits of being social animals. The Stoic doctrine further holds that Zeus, the Impersonal god, brought everything into existence made everyone imperfect with the sole aim of strengthening his creatures.

Emulating the Idealized Human

Therefore, the imperfections have been crucial in the realization of one’s strengths which in turn contributes to the good life. Stoicism draws the attention of philosophers and readers to the hypothetical idealized human, known as “sage” that they have used as a benchmark for model behavior. Therefore, those who are in pursuit of a good life are encouraged to emulate the behavior of hypothetical ideal figure and live by that example (Irvine, 2013).

Importance of Stoic Philosophy in the Contemporary World

The emphasis of observing one’s station in life as espoused by the Stoic philosophy is applicable in the contemporary world in numerous ways. The central station in life that everyone should never depart from is the utilization of logic in everyday life. Zeno of Citium, who is a founding member of the Stoic philosophical school opines that logic and virtue will give forth to goodness and peace of mind. Therefore, those who live a virtuous life even in the contemporary world, stand to acquire the quite often elusive peace of mind and the overall goodness. Thus, Stoic doctrines are still profoundly significant to the present life.

Stoic Doctrines and Religious Policies

Various religious policies around the world have supported the Stoic doctrines of the centrality of reason in the life of a human being. Churches nowadays appeal to the congregants to embrace logic while practicing their faith. Many religions acknowledge that faith goes hand in hand with the power of reason. Their position is not different from what Stoic doctrines stood for on matters to do with logic and virtue. It only contributes to happiness, but it makes a human being complete (How to Be a Stoic, 2107). Furthermore, Stoic philosophy agrees with the policies of modern religions that a result from the moment when there is a massive compromise on the power of reason. Additionally, both the religious policies and Stoics doctrines concur that when reason has been compromised, nothing else sets in other than a vice in the society.

Support from Religious Organizations

Many religious organizations support the views of the Stoic doctrines. Their policies are in tandem with the teachings of the Stoic school of philosophy. The founders of the Stoic Philosophy school had their origins in the Roman church which still has followers up to this time. Just like the Stoic philosophy encouraged the practice of self-denial, modern churches too are fond of advancing the policy and teaching of denying oneself for the sake of fortifying one’s faith. They both hold the view that people should not just imagine what discomfort is but should also inflict it on themselves as that would help in training one to get accustomed to self-denial and suffering. However, the religious policies on self-denial, just like the Stoic’s view advocate that no one should do it to the level of becoming extreme in imposing discomfort on themselves.

References

How to Be a Stoic. (2017, August 08). Stoicism 101. Retrieved October 22, 2017, from https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/stoicism-101/

Irvine, W. (2013). Summary of A Guide to the Good Life. Retrieved October 22, 2017, from http://becomingeden.com/summary-of-a-guide-to-the-good-life