Humanism in Stoicism is a philosophical current that seeks to understand and value human nature, highlighting the importance of reason, ethics and self-control. In this glossary, we will explore in detail the concept of humanism in Stoicism, its main characteristics and how it differs from other philosophical currents.
What is stoicism?
Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in Ancient Greece, around the XNUMXrd century BC, and that developed mainly in Ancient Rome. Its main exponents were Zeno of Citium, founder of the Stoic school, and Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who were important Stoic philosophers.
Stoicism seeks to teach people to live in accordance with nature, accepting the things that cannot be changed and seeking virtue and wisdom in all situations. For the Stoics, happiness lies in virtue and self-mastery, and not in material riches or external circumstances.
What is humanism?
Humanism is a philosophical current that values the dignity and intrinsic value of the human being. It emerged during the Renaissance, in Europe, and its main exponents were thinkers such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More. Humanism was opposed to medieval theocentrism, placing the human being as the center of the universe.
In the context of Stoicism, humanism manifests itself as an appreciation of human nature and its rational capabilities. The Stoics believed that all human beings possess a divine spark, reason, that differentiates them from other animals and enables them to live in accordance with virtue.
How does humanism manifest itself in Stoicism?
In Stoicism, humanism manifests itself through the appreciation of reason, ethics and self-control. The Stoics believed that reason is the most important faculty of human beings, and that it must be cultivated and developed so that we can live in accordance with nature.
Stoic ethics is also a manifestation of humanism, as it seeks to guide human actions according to virtue and wisdom. For the Stoics, virtue is the only true good, and all other things are indifferent. Thus, human beings must seek to live in accordance with virtue, regardless of external circumstances.
Self-mastery is another important characteristic of humanism in Stoicism. The Stoics believed that human beings have the ability to control their emotions and desires, and that this is fundamental to living in accordance with reason and virtue. Self-control is seen as a form of freedom, as it allows us not to be slaves to our passions and impulses.
How does humanism in Stoicism differ from other philosophical currents?
Humanism in Stoicism differs from other philosophical currents, such as Epicureanism and Skepticism, mainly due to its emphasis on reason and ethics. While Epicureanism values pleasure and skepticism questions the possibility of knowledge, Stoicism places reason and ethics as fundamental to human life.
Furthermore, humanism in Stoicism differs from Renaissance humanism, as it does not place the human being as the center of the universe, but rather as an integral part of nature. The Stoics believed that all human beings are part of a greater natural order, and that they must live in accordance with that order.
Conclusion
In short, humanism in Stoicism is a philosophical current that values human nature, highlighting the importance of reason, ethics and self-control. It manifests itself through the appreciation of reason as the most important faculty of human beings, the search for virtue and the ability to control emotions and desires. Humanism in Stoicism differs from other philosophical currents by its emphasis on reason and ethics, and by its view of the human being as an integral part of nature.
