52. Stoic Ethics with Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill: Bringing Morality Back
Sep 30, 2024
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Brittany Polat, a philosophical writer dedicated to accessible Stoicism, and Christopher Gill, an Emeritus Professor and ancient philosophy expert, dive into the essential role of Stoic ethics today. They discuss their book, *Stoic Ethics: The Basics*, emphasizing how ancient virtues connect to modern happiness and personal challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of making Stoicism relatable, addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas, and incorporating philosophical thinking in education to foster moral courage and resilience.
Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill emphasize the importance of practical Stoic ethics, seeking to clarify its core principles for modern understanding.
The podcast highlights the communal aspect of Stoicism, focusing on the philosophy's social responsibility and the need for caring relationships.
Amid shifting societal norms, the authors argue for the critical role of Stoic ethics in providing moral guidance and fostering ethical discussions.
Deep dives
The Journey to Stoicism
Both Brittany Palat and Christopher Gill share personal journeys that led them to Stoicism, highlighting how challenging life experiences can drive individuals toward philosophical exploration. Brittany's pivotal moment came during a career transition and as a mother, prompting her to seek wisdom that would guide her children's upbringing and her own life choices. She discovered Stoicism through William Irvine's book, which spurred her to deeply engage with Stoic literature and community, ultimately leading to her nonprofit organization aiming to present Stoicism positively. Chris's path differed, rooted in decades of academic research on ancient philosophy, where he realized Stoicism's practical benefits could greatly aid individuals navigating modern life's complexities.
Defining Stoic Ethics
The authors emphasize the need for a more practical and accessible understanding of Stoic ethics, as many resources currently available can be overly academic or misrepresent Stoicism. They aim to fill this gap with their book by clarifying core Stoic principles and addressing misconceptions about the philosophy's practical applications. Brittany notes a particular concern with modern interpretations that distort Stoic teachings, such as promoting material wealth through Stoicism, which she argues diverges from its foundational ethical tenets. This authoritative work not only aims to educate readers on Stoic ethics but also to arm them against misleading narratives prevalent in modern discourse.
The Importance of Community in Stoicism
Both Brittany and Chris advocate for the intrinsic social dimension of Stoicism, stressing that it is not merely a philosophy of individual resilience but also emphasizes caring for oneself and others. They argue that modern interpretations often overlook this community aspect and focus too heavily on personal fortitude, which can lead to a misrepresentation of Stoic values. The Stoics viewed humans as inherently social beings, responsible not only for their own development but also for fostering positive relationships within their communities. This holistic view of Stoicism asserts that ethical living must include both individual character development and a commitment to care for others.
The Role of Ethics in Modern Society
With societal norms shifting and traditional authorities losing influence, the authors argue for the urgent need to reestablish ethical frameworks that apply to contemporary life. Brittany highlights the potential for Stoic ethics to provide guidance in navigating complex social and personal landscapes, particularly as people search for meaning and moral direction. Chris adds that ethical questions are more pertinent than ever, encouraging individuals to reflect on what constitutes a good life and how virtue relates to happiness. By fostering discussions around ethics, Stoicism can help individuals better understand their place in a rapidly evolving world.
Expanding Ethical Discussions Through Education
The authors underscore the importance of incorporating philosophical discussions into educational systems, noting that many students lack exposure to ethics in their formal education. They suggest that facilitating critical thinking and inquiry about personal morals and societal issues can empower students to navigate today's complex information landscape. Brittany emphasizes the need to teach not only the principles of ethics but also the skills of logical reasoning so that students can discern truth from misinformation. By fostering an environment where philosophical inquiry and ethical reflection are encouraged, future generations can develop a richer understanding of their moral landscape.
On this special episode, number 52, we are joined by two amazing guests: Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill. Two impactful voices in the Modern Stoic world.
Christopher Gill is an Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter, UK, following earlier appointments at Yale, Bristol, and Aberystwyth Universities. He has published many books and articles on ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism. He is one of the founders of Modernstoicism.com
Brittany Polat holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics but is currently devoted to the study and practice of Stoicism. As a philosophical writer, speaker, and community organizer, she specializes in conveying complex philosophical ideas in a form that is accessible to a wide and diverse audience. She is the co-founder of Stoicare.com
In this conversation, we discuss their new book Stoic Ethics: The Basics, and dive deeper into the need of the ancient Stoic ethics for our modern-day lives. We explore the role virtue plays and how it ties in with happiness and Nature. Together we also look at the real-world application and so much more.
You can find more information on Christopher Gill, Brittany Polat, and their book using the links below.
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