Practical Stoicism Is Rape a Stoic Indifferent?
Jun 10, 2025
This discussion tackles the heavy moral implications of horrific acts, like rape, through Stoic ethics. It emphasizes that moral value is determined by context, not just actions. Rape is framed as an absolute moral failure, always unjust and vicious. The conversation delves into how intention matters in defining virtue and vice. Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate their ethical beliefs and appreciate the intricate nature of understanding good and evil within Stoicism.
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Virtue and Vice as Absolute Values
- Virtue is the only good because it is always good regardless of context.
- Vice is the only evil because it is always evil regardless of context, emphasizing moral character over actions.
Commit Fully to a Philosophy
- Understand the reasons behind moral beliefs to live a coherent life.
- Commit to one philosophy fully to avoid moral inconsistency and strengthen character.
Complex Stoic Examples of Indifferents
- Sometimes buying a slave temporarily is preferred to free them later.
- World peace might be dispreferred if achieved by oppressive dictatorship preventing war.