The Utilitarian Calculus and Virtue Ethics

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We discuss one of the most important Stoic ideas: Role ethics.

This is a decision making framework from the Stoic philosopher, Epictetus. It’s a challenge to live a meaningful life by performing the roles you’ve been assigned and the roles you’ve chosen with excellence. We talk about the different kinds of roles we should occupy according the Stoics and how these roles provide a direction for life.

(01:54) Why Role Ethics Matters

(09:11) What Role Ethics Is

(11:36) What Are My Roles?

(13:18) The Role of Human Being

(18:00) Specific Roles

(23:54) Relationships

(35:29) Chosen Roles

(42:23) Role Ethics and Career Choice

(48:49) Outstanding Questions

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/