Stoicism Isn't About Equality

Jun 11, 2024

The podcast discusses Stoicism's view on equality and justice, emphasizing moral reasoning and fairness over raw emotions. It explores the complexity of implementing equality, using a medical school admission scenario as an example. Stoicism stresses the importance of treating others justly and caring about injustices while highlighting the role of Virtue in pursuing ethical behavior.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Exploring the Concept of Equality in Society from a Stoic Perspective

02:41 • 4min

Exploring the Hypothetical Scenario of Becoming a Doctor

07:07 • 2min

Exploring Justice and Injustice from a Stoic Perspective

09:06 • 11min

Exploring the Role of Virtue in Stoicism and the Importance of Moral Choices

20:18 • 3min

In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between Stoicism and the concept of equality. While the title may be partly clickbait, it also highlights a significant discussion on how Stoicism views equality and justice.

I delve into how modern society has become disconnected from coherent moral reasoning, driven largely by raw emotions rather than philosophical principles. This episode is not an excuse to dismiss fairness or justice; rather, it's a call to understand these concepts through the lens of Stoic philosophy.

I discuss the definition of equality as a state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities, and examine how practical implementation can become complicated. Using a hypothetical scenario about medical school admissions, I illustrate how well-intentioned ideas can quickly become complex.

From a Stoic standpoint, I explain that you cannot please everyone and that individuals cannot control whether others are pleased. However, Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of caring about injustices and treating others justly and fairly.

I address the misconception that Stoicism promotes a dismissive attitude towards those who suffer injustices. True Stoicism requires us to pursue Virtue, which involves knowing our role in the Cosmopolis, treating others justly, and showing appropriate concern for those within our circles.

Listeners are challenged to consider how they respond to injustice, both when they witness it and when they experience it themselves. Stoicism does not advocate for virtue signaling or acting viciously in response to injustice. Instead, it calls for reasoned and virtuous choices, regardless of outcomes.

Finally, I clarify that while Stoicism is not concerned with the outcome of equality, it cares deeply about the virtuous choices we make in relation to it. The pursuit of Virtue should guide our actions and concerns, not the pursuit of specific outcomes.