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Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

Going Meta With Metacognition (Episode 169)

Feb 4, 2025
Dive into the fascinating intersection of Stoicism and metacognition. Discover how ancient philosophers emphasized self-reflection, which modern psychology labels as thinking about thinking. Explore why this mental self-examination is seen as divine and crucial for living well. Unpack the four-step Stoic psychological process that enhances critical thinking and decision-making. Finally, learn how reflective practices can foster personal growth and resilience, unlocking the power of the mind through Stoic wisdom.
46:51

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Quick takeaways

  • Metacognition, as a form of self-reflection, is essential in Stoicism for understanding and guiding one's thought processes effectively.
  • Engaging in Stoic practices like journaling and premeditatio malorum fosters metacognitive skills, promoting long-term personal growth and emotional regulation.

Deep dives

Understanding Metacognition

Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, defined by developmental psychologist John H. Flavel in 1976. It comprises two essential aspects: metacognitive knowledge, which is the recognition of one’s thought patterns, and metacognitive control, the ability to guide and regulate those thought processes. For instance, recognizing that one often jumps to conclusions exemplifies metacognitive knowledge, while deciding to pause and assess a situation before reacting represents metacognitive control. This self-reflective nature of metacognition is important for personal development and aligns closely with Stoic practices.

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