What Stoicism Actually Teaches About Emotion (Episode 1)
Dec 19, 2022
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Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay discuss Stoic theory and practice. They explore the Stoic perspective on emotions, the rationality of being irrational, and the importance of taking responsibility for one's emotional life. They also touch on Stoicism's influence on therapy and the distinction between feelings and emotions. Throughout the podcast, they provide personal examples and discuss mindfulness meditation and the cognitive theory of emotion.
Emotions are influenced by our thinking and judgments, emphasizing the importance of understanding and regulating our emotional life through proper thinking and judgment.
Emotions can serve as valuable feedback and insights into our perception of the world, encouraging individuals to reflect on their emotions and question the underlying beliefs or values that lead to those emotions.
Stoics aim to eliminate passions (negative emotions) through rational thinking and proper judgment, highlighting the importance of questioning judgments and recognizing distortions in order to cultivate a healthier emotional life.
Deep dives
Understanding the Cognitive View of Emotions in Stoicism
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the cognitive view of emotions in Stoicism. They explain that emotions are not just random experiences but are closely linked to our thoughts and judgments. Stoics believe that emotions are value judgments, and the way we perceive events determines our emotional responses. They provide the example of a soccer game where different individuals react differently based on their judgment of the outcome. The hosts emphasize that emotions are not things that happen to us but are influenced by our thinking. They highlight the importance of understanding and regulating our emotional life through proper thinking and judgment.
Using Emotions as Information and Tools for Self-Reflection
The podcast episode explores how stoics use emotions as information about their thought processes and the quality of their judgments. They explain that emotions can serve as valuable feedback and insights into our perception of the world. Stoics encourage individuals to reflect on their emotions and question the underlying beliefs or values that lead to those emotions. By adopting this cognitive perspective, one can better understand their emotional responses and make more informed decisions. It is also emphasized that emotions should not be seen as tools to manipulate or deceive oneself, but rather as indicators of the quality of one's thinking and judgment.
The Distinction between Passions and Good Feelings in Stoicism
The hosts discuss the Stoic distinction between passions (pathē) and good feelings (eupathē). Passions are negative emotions that arise from false judgments, while good feelings are based on true judgments. Stoics aim to eliminate passions through rational thinking and proper judgment. They provide the example of someone who reacts angrily to an insult, highlighting that the intense emotion is a result of mistaken beliefs. Stoicism encourages individuals to question their judgments and recognize the distortions they may create. By differentiating between passions and good feelings, Stoics seek to cultivate a healthier emotional life based on accurate thinking and judgment.
Practical Strategies for Emotion Regulation in Stoicism
The hosts offer practical strategies for regulating emotions in Stoicism. They suggest a preventative approach, which involves avoiding situations or triggers that lead to extreme emotions. They advise individuals to take responsibility for their environment and remove or minimize potential triggers. Additionally, they recommend aspirational strategies, such as clarifying values, minimizing cognitive distortions, and practicing mindfulness or focused attention. The hosts emphasize the importance of honest self-reflection and taking accountability for one's emotional well-being. By adopting these strategies, individuals can work towards a more balanced and rational emotional life in line with Stoic principles.
The Role of Mindfulness and Internal Literacy in Emotion Regulation
Mindfulness meditation is highlighted as a useful practice for internalizing the cognitive theory of emotion in Stoicism. The hosts suggest that by paying careful attention to sensations and thoughts, individuals can gain clarity on the separation between feelings and judgment. Mindfulness allows individuals to recognize that feelings are not intrinsically bad and can be composed of various sensations or thoughts. By developing internal literacy, individuals can more effectively navigate their emotional landscape and make better judgments. The hosts encourage listeners to choose and focus on specific techniques that resonate with them and to cultivate a toolkit for emotion regulation.
Stoicism offers the promise of emotional tranquility. But what does this mean? And should we even want to eliminate our negative emotions?
In this conversation, Michael and Caleb discuss the Stoic account of emotions: what emotions are and how to manage them.
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.
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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