History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 066 - You Can Chain My Leg - Epictetus
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Feb 5, 2012 AI Snips
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Free Will's Late Arrival
- The notion of a distinct 'will' and free will emerges relatively late in ancient philosophy.
- Peter Adamson highlights Epictetus as pivotal in making choice central to ethics.
Epictetus's Humble Origins
- Epictetus was born into slavery in Phrygia and later gained his freedom and a teaching career.
- Peter Adamson recounts his study with Musonius Rufus and the Discourses preserved by Arrian.
Choice Is The Core Of Virtue
- Epictetus makes prohairesis (deliberate choice) the core of his ethical theory.
- He argues only our choices, not externals like wealth or health, lie entirely within our power.