Stoic Psychology: Epictetus on Why What You Think is Up To You (Episode 23)
Mar 7, 2023
auto_awesome
Caleb Ontiveros, Stoic psychology expert, discusses Stoic theory of mind, the four abilities of the mind, choosing what to believe, the importance of preconceptions, the idea that no one does wrong willingly, and thinking better. The podcast explores Stoic therapy and psychology, Stoic approach to judging others and understanding different cultures, the implications of Stoic psychology on moral development, and the purpose of life according to the Stoics.
Our actions and impulses stem from our judgments and reflections, emphasizing the importance of understanding stoic psychology for self-improvement.
The four faculties of the stoic mind - impression, reflection, ascent, and impulse - shape our behavior, highlighting the significance of having strong, well-aligned beliefs.
Making accurate, well-grounded judgments and aligning our beliefs with stoic values is key to self-improvement and achieving wisdom.
Deep dives
Understanding stoic psychology and its implications for self-improvement
Stoic Conversations podcast delves into the psychology of Epictetus, focusing on the stoic theory of mind and its application to understanding ourselves and others better. The podcast emphasizes that our actions and impulses stem from our ascent, the process of judgment and reflection. It highlights the idea that nobody does wrong willingly and that weakness of will is impossible according to stoic philosophy. The discussion stresses the importance of understanding the stoic conception of human psychology to effectively engage in self-improvement and become more thoughtful individuals.
The psychological components of the stoic mind
The podcast explores the four faculties of the stoic mind: impression, reflection, ascent, and impulse. It explains that our behavior is a result of these faculties interacting, with judgments and beliefs shaping our actions. The distinction is made between strong and weak ascents, with the importance of having strong, well-aligned beliefs to drive consistent, ethical behavior. The podcast also introduces the concept of the hegemonicon - the ruling faculty of the mind - and its role in controlling our actions and decisions.
Applying stoic psychology in self-improvement
The podcast discusses the practical implications of stoic psychology for self-improvement. It highlights the importance of careful reflection, avoiding hasty judgments, and being aware of the influencing factors behind our decisions. The podcast emphasizes the power of habituation and shaping our beliefs to align with stoic values. It also touches on forgiveness, recognizing that others' actions are often the result of their own judgments and weaknesses, rather than deliberate wrongdoing. The ultimate goal is to reach wisdom, aligning our judgments with reality and achieving a sense of tranquility and virtue in our lives.
The link between judgment and behavior
The podcast links stoic psychology to the idea that our behavior is driven by our judgments and assessments of the world. It highlights the importance of making accurate, well-grounded judgments and avoiding careless or hasty ascents. The concept of wisdom is introduced as the culmination of mastering our faculties of reflection, ascent, and impulse. The podcast emphasizes that self-improvement involves training ourselves to make better judgments and aligning our beliefs with stoic values. It encourages understanding our own minds and the factors influencing our behavior to become more virtuous individuals.
The role of preconceptions and practical implications
The podcast delves into the role of preconceptions, innate ideas shared by all humans, in shaping our values and behavior. It suggests that the key to moral development and self-improvement lies in applying preconceptions correctly to specific situations. It emphasizes the need for careful judgment and reflection to categorize things accurately and make choices in accordance with nature. The podcast also discusses the impact of ignorance, carelessness, and the power of habituation on our behavior. It highlights the importance of being attentive, reflective, and aware of our own judgments to facilitate personal growth.
Why did the Stoics believe what you think is up to you? What are the components of thought?
Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay discuss that in this episode. We start with the Stoic theory of mind and then move to how we can use their psychology to understand others and ourselves better. We then cover the radical Stoic ideas that no one does wrong willingly and the idea that weakness of will is impossible.
(00:53) Introduction
(03:14) The Hegemonicon
(07:12) Four Abilities of the Mind
(18:51) Choosing What To Believe
(31:41) The Importance of Preconceptions
(37:08) No One Does Wrong Willingly
(43:14) Thinking Better
***
Stoa Conversations is Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay’s podcast on Stoic theory and practice.
Caleb and Michael work together on the Stoa app. Stoa is designed to help you build resilience and focus on what matters. It combines the practical philosophy of Stoicism with modern techniques and meditation.
Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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/
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
