What is Conscious Judgment in Stoicism
In Stoicism, conscious judgment is a fundamental skill that practitioners seek to develop to achieve wisdom and inner tranquility. It is a practice that involves the ability to discern between what is within our control and what is not, and to judge things according to their true nature. In this glossary, we will explore in detail the concept of conscious judgment in Stoicism, its main characteristics and how to apply it in our everyday lives.
The importance of conscious judgment
In Stoicism, conscious judgment is considered an essential skill for achieving eudaimonia, that is, happiness and full fulfillment. The Stoics believed that most human problems and suffering are caused by our mistaken judgments about things. By developing the ability to judge consciously, we can avoid falling into mental traps and react in a wiser and more balanced way to life situations.
Discerning what is within our control
In Stoicism, the first step of conscious judgment is discerning between what is within our control and what is not. The Stoics believed that many of life's external events and circumstances are beyond our control, such as the weather, the actions of others, and even our own health. However, what is under our control is our own mind, our choices and our reactions to external events. By recognizing this distinction, we can direct our energy towards what really matters and stop worrying about what is beyond our control.
Judging things according to their true nature
In Stoicism, conscious judgment also involves the ability to judge things according to their true nature. The Stoics believed that we often judge things wrongly, attributing to them an intrinsic value that they do not have. For example, we may believe that material wealth is a good in itself, when in fact it is just a preferred indifferent. By developing the ability to judge things more objectively and realistically, we can avoid getting attached to things that have no real value and focus on what really matters to our happiness and well-being.
The application of conscious judgment in everyday life
Conscious judgment in Stoicism is not just an abstract theory, but a practice that can be applied to our everyday lives. One of the main ways to apply conscious judgment is through the use of reflective questions. When faced with a challenging or upsetting situation, we can ask ourselves, “Is this in my control?” and “Is this really important for my happiness and well-being?” These questions help us direct our attention to what really matters and avoid wasting energy on things we cannot control.
The benefits of conscious judgment
The development of conscious judgment in Stoicism brings a series of benefits to our lives. By learning to discern what is within our control and judge things according to their true nature, we can experience greater inner tranquility and a greater ability to deal with life's challenges. Furthermore, conscious judgment helps us avoid falling into mental traps, such as excessive attachment to material things or the unbridled search for fleeting pleasures. Instead, we can direct our energy toward what really matters and cultivate a more meaningful and authentic life.
The constant practice of conscious judgment
Conscious judgment in Stoicism is not a skill that develops overnight, but rather a constant practice that requires dedication and effort. It's important to remember that we are human beings and that it is natural to make mistakes and fall into mental traps from time to time. However, by committing to the practice of conscious judgment and striving to apply it in our everyday lives, we can gradually improve our ability to discern what is within our control and to judge things according to their true nature.
Conclusion
Conscious judgment in Stoicism is a fundamental skill that helps us achieve wisdom and inner tranquility. By discerning what is within our control and judging things according to their true nature, we can direct our energy towards what really matters and avoid falling into mental traps. The constant practice of conscious judgment brings us a series of benefits, such as greater inner tranquility and a greater ability to deal with life's challenges. Therefore, it is worth dedicating time and effort to developing this skill in our everyday lives.
