Exploring Justice and Injustice from a Stoic Perspective

11min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The chapter delves into how Stoicism addresses the concept of justice and injustice, highlighting the importance of virtue in the face of unjust situations and the need for intervention while still accepting one's fate. It emphasizes the balance between taking action against injustice and maintaining virtuous conduct to navigate societal injustices.

In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between Stoicism and the concept of equality. While the title may be partly clickbait, it also highlights a significant discussion on how Stoicism views equality and justice.

I delve into how modern society has become disconnected from coherent moral reasoning, driven largely by raw emotions rather than philosophical principles. This episode is not an excuse to dismiss fairness or justice; rather, it's a call to understand these concepts through the lens of Stoic philosophy.

I discuss the definition of equality as a state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities, and examine how practical implementation can become complicated. Using a hypothetical scenario about medical school admissions, I illustrate how well-intentioned ideas can quickly become complex.

From a Stoic standpoint, I explain that you cannot please everyone and that individuals cannot control whether others are pleased. However, Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of caring about injustices and treating others justly and fairly.

I address the misconception that Stoicism promotes a dismissive attitude towards those who suffer injustices. True Stoicism requires us to pursue Virtue, which involves knowing our role in the Cosmopolis, treating others justly, and showing appropriate concern for those within our circles.

Listeners are challenged to consider how they respond to injustice, both when they witness it and when they experience it themselves. Stoicism does not advocate for virtue signaling or acting viciously in response to injustice. Instead, it calls for reasoned and virtuous choices, regardless of outcomes.

Finally, I clarify that while Stoicism is not concerned with the outcome of equality, it cares deeply about the virtuous choices we make in relation to it. The pursuit of Virtue should guide our actions and concerns, not the pursuit of specific outcomes.

Become a Patron : https://stoicismpod.com/members

Download the daily app : https://stoicism260.com

Subscribe to the Newsletter : https://practicalstoicism.net

Enroll in the course : https://understandingstoicism.com

Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book

Join the Society of Stoics : https://societyofstoics.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices