Ep. 254 - Is Stoicism for Dummies?? w/ Dr. Tom Morris
Feb 5, 2024
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Discover the foundations of Stoicism with Dr. Tom Morris, exploring its accessibility for beginners and profound insights. Unveil the story behind 'Stoicism for Dummies' book creation with a unique and humorous approach. Explore the transformative nature of seeking wisdom through personal growth. Dive into Stoic beliefs, philosophical parallels, and the importance of fun in philosophy.
Stoics prioritize virtues like courage and justice for a fulfilling life.
Diogenes valued simplicity and contentment as keys to true happiness.
Stoics believed in a divine intelligence governing the universe for human flourishing.
Deep dives
The Stoics believed in living in accordance with nature and finding virtue
The Stoics believed in living in accordance with nature and finding virtue. They emphasized the importance of character and inner strength, seeing it as the foundation for a fulfilling and joyous life. They believed that happiness, or eudaimonia, came from living a virtuous life and that virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice were the key to human flourishing. The Stoics saw virtues as the only things that could never be misused and were always good. They believed that living in accordance with nature and cultivating these virtues would lead to true happiness.
Diogenes and the influence of his radical way of life
Diogenes, a philosopher who greatly influenced the Stoics, lived a radical lifestyle that embraced simplicity and freedom from societal expectations. He emphasized the importance of contentment and minimalism, giving away his possessions and living in a clay tub. Diogenes believed that true happiness came from having the least and being content with it. He valued living in accordance with nature and rejecting artificial societal norms.
The Stoic belief in the logos and God
The Stoics had a complex view on God and the divine. They saw the logos, an organizing force, as God or the divine intelligence behind the universe. Some Stoics viewed God as synonymous with nature, seeing the world's soul as the embodiment of divinity. They believed in a providential governance of the world, trusting in the benevolent intelligence behind everything. The Stoics also acknowledged the distinction between the physical world and the spiritual realm, seeing the world of matter as the hardware on which the divine software runs. They believed that the universe would undergo cycles of destruction and rebirth, with the same divine logos governing each new universe. Overall, the Stoics held the view that there was a divine intelligence behind everything, and that living in accordance with this divine order would lead to a joyous and flourishing existence.
Stoic arguments for God and the problem of evil
The Stoics put forth arguments for the existence of God, focusing on the rationality and intelligence in the world as evidence of a divine creator. They saw the complexity and design in the universe as indicators of an intelligent designer. While some critics dismiss these arguments as God of the gaps reasoning, the Stoics believed that rationality, relationality, and design in human beings and the natural world pointed towards a greater purpose and divine order. They also wrestled with the problem of evil, questioning how a benevolent deity could allow suffering in the world. Despite this, they maintained that the divine intelligence behind the universe had an overall plan for the good of the whole and trusted in its providential governance.
Stoicism and the Compatibility with Christianity
Stoicism and biblical Christianity share some compatibility in terms of concepts like Providence and the inner focus. However, there are differences regarding the doctrine of determinism and the belief in a loving God. Stoics tend to take principles to extreme levels, while Christianity offers a simpler path that resonated more widely with the masses.
Stoicism's Appeal in Modern Times
Stoicism's resurgence today can be attributed to its principles of focusing on what can be controlled and accepting the uncertainties of the world. In times of adversity and tumultuous change, such as during the pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, Stoicism provides a means to reorient one's emotional life and avoid getting worked up over things beyond personal control.
In episdoe 254 of the Parker's I'm joined once again by Dr. Tom Morris. Dr. Morris is a legendary philosopher and an expert on the philosophy of Stoicism. In this episode he schools me on Stoicism from his brand new book, Stoicism for Dummies. Grab the book here to support my podcast: https://amzn.to/47NnKgP
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0:00 - Introduction
4:55 - What is Stoicism?
8:31 - Stoic Philosophy is a Way of Life
11:58 - The Core of Stoicism
14:09 - Theoretical vs. Practical Philosophy
23:11 - the four big instagram philosophies today
25:44 - What is Wisdom?
31:57 - Diogenes the Cynic's influence on Stoicism
36:24 - Only Virtue Leads to Happiness
40:23 - Stoic Theology and Stoic arguments for God
52:33 - Jesus the Philosopher Sage and Logician
56:18 - Stoicism and Christianity?
1:04:34 - Who Gets to Call Themselves a Stoic?
1:08:06 - The Demise of Ancient Stoicism
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