William Stephens on Epictetus's Handbook (Episode 26)

Mar 17, 2023

Caleb Ontiveros speaks with William Stephens, a philosophical expert on Epictetus, about freedom, self-respect, and role ethics. They discuss Epictetus's conception of freedom, the significance of tranquility, and the power of self-respect. They also explore Epictetus's philosophy on career choice and the roles assigned to us by nature. Get ready for an insightful discussion on Stoic ethics!

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Epictetus' Enchiridion: A Practical Handbook for Stoicism

01:34 • 16min

The Dichotomy of Control

17:45 • 7min

Epictetus's Philosophy, Tranquility, and Self-Respect

24:19 • 6min

Gaining Self-Respect and the Power of Virtues

30:05 • 2min

Epictetus' Role Ethics

32:13 • 19min

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What’s required for freedom? What does self respect demand?

In this conversation, Caleb Ontiveros speaks with William Stephens about Epictetus’s Handbook.

They discuss Epictetus’s conception of freedom, self-respect, and end with a discussion on his role ethics.

We’ve had several conversations with William Stephens, he’s one of the foremost philosophical experts on Epictetus, so we’re excited to share another one.

Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics

(01:56) What is the Handbook?

(05:53) Historical Impact of Epictetus

(11:26) How Epictetus Understood Freedom

(24:18) Tranquility

(28:33) Self-respect

(32:09) Role Ethics

(37:59) Epictetus on Career Choice

(41:54) Stoic Heroes

(45:39) Stoic Antiheroes

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Stoa Conversations is Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay’s podcast on Stoic theory and practice.

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Caleb Ontiveros has a background in academic philosophy (MA) and startups. His favorite Stoic is Marcus Aurelius. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/calebmontiveros

Michael Tremblay also has a background in academic philosophy (PhD) where he focused on Epictetus. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His favorite Stoic is Epictetus. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/_MikeTremblay

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

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