Sadler's Lectures Epictetus on Keeping Prohairesis in Accordance With Nature - Sadler's Lectures
Dec 15, 2025
Dive into the wisdom of Epictetus, exploring the concept of prohairesis as our guiding choice aligned with nature. Discover how this Stoic principle influences our desires, choices, and responses. Learn about historical Stoic insights and specific examples, like familial relationships and the role of rational emotions. Sadler emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral purpose over external factors and surrounding ourselves with friends who share this Stoic ideal.
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Frame Actions By Their True Nature
- Epictetus urges you to frame every undertaking by asking what its nature is and to prioritize keeping your prohairesis in accordance with nature.
- This shift makes externals less central and preserves moral purpose when obstacles arise.
Prohairesis As Your Ruling Faculty
- Prohairesis is the central ruling faculty: choice, assent, desire, aversion, and character all sit within it.
- It is reflexive and self-governing, able to shape its own judgments and habits.
Reshape Judgments Through Deliberate Thought
- Use cognitive techniques to reshape judgments: reinterpret insults as judgments, not facts, and refuse immediate assent to impressions.
- Train habits and repeatedly choose to prioritize keeping prohairesis aligned with nature.
