In this episode, the speaker introduces the concept of Oikeiôsis and its significance in Stoic philosophy. They discuss the interconnectedness of humanity and explore the Pyramid of Concern, emphasizing the importance of caring for others as a practical approach to a fulfilled life. The podcast explores the evolution of moral rightness and the development of empathy, using the example of changing perspectives on slavery. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care and improvement without perfectionism.
Oikeiosis is the process of understanding and caring appropriately for the things and people that are our responsibility, collapsing our circles of concern inward towards the self.
Oikeiosis has practical implications for how we approach concerns in our lives, encouraging individuals to identify what they should care about and take action accordingly, while acknowledging that the specific actions may vary for each person.
Deep dives
Defining Oikeosis and Concern for Others
Oikeosis is the process of understanding and caring appropriately for the things and people that are our responsibility. It involves recognizing our circles of concern, which includes the self, family, friends, community, humanity, and the biosphere. The goal is to collapse these circles inward towards the self, treating each element with the same contextual importance as ourselves. Oikeosis emphasizes that the Stoic sage would not choose to care only about themselves, as this reflects a lack of virtue. Each individual's concern and care may differ based on their roles, character, and life circumstances.
Practical Applications of Oikeosis
Oikeosis has practical implications for how we approach concerns in our lives. For example, if someone wants to improve their family's diet, they recognize that caring for the family's health is their responsibility. Even if the effort required is significant, it is important to make an appropriate and realistic improvement, taking into account individual means and circumstances. Oikeosis is not about achieving perfection, but about making progress and genuine efforts towards improvement. It encourages individuals to identify what they should care about and take action accordingly, while acknowledging that the specific actions may vary for each person.
Ancient Stoic Perspectives on Oikeosis
Ancient Stoics, such as Christypus and Heracles, discussed Oikeosis in terms of its connection to self-preservation and the natural inclination to care for oneself. They emphasized that animals have an initial concern for themselves, but humans, capable of reason, can extend this concern to others. Oikeosis involves recognizing that caring for others and the world around us is essential for living in accordance with nature. The Stoics emphasized the importance of reason in guiding our actions and understanding what we are meant to care about. Oikeosis is not about achieving a certain level of concern, but about recognizing and appropriately caring for what is ours to do.
In today's episode, I'm discussing Oikeiôsis, an essential part of Stoic philosophy and a cornerstone for developing a virtuous character. I'll revisit Hierocles' Circles of Concern, illustrating our interconnectedness with family, community, humanity, and the biosphere, and introduce the Pyramid of Concern, a new perspective emphasizing the foundational role of broader concerns in our well-being.
As we explore Oikeiôsis, I'll explain how caring for others as ourselves isn't just noble; it's a practical approach to living a fulfilled life. You've been with me through nearly 300 episodes, and now, as we begin 2024, we'll spend a whole month dissecting and applying Oikeiotic thinking and acting. We'll hear from ancient Stoics, apply their wisdom to modern challenges, and I'll even pose a question for you Spotify listeners to engage with directly in the mobile app.
Let's start this year by understanding and embracing the full scope of our concerns, shaping them to enrich not just ourselves, but the entire world we are a part of.