What is Right Judgment in Stoicism
In Stoicism, correct judgment is a fundamental concept that refers to our ability to properly evaluate and interpret life events and circumstances. It is the ability to discern between what is within our control and what is not, and to respond appropriately to each situation. Correct judgment is considered an essential virtue for achieving wisdom and inner tranquility.
The importance of correct judgment
In Stoicism, correct judgment is seen as the basis for a virtuous and happy life. The Stoics believed that most human problems and suffering are caused by our mistaken judgments and the way we interpret and react to events. By developing correct judgment, we are able to see things as they really are, without emotional distortions or illusions, and we can act in accordance with reason and virtue.
The principles of correct judgment
In Stoicism, correct judgment is based on some fundamental principles. First, we must recognize that not everything is in our control. There are external things, like the weather, the opinions of others, and even our own health, that are beyond our power to influence. Therefore, we should only focus on what is under our direct control: our thoughts, emotions and actions.
Second, we must learn to distinguish between things that are good, bad, or indifferent. Good things are those that are in accordance with virtue, such as wisdom, courage and justice. Evil things are those that are contrary to virtue, such as ignorance, cowardice and injustice. Indifferent things are those that have no direct relationship with virtue, such as wealth, fame and health.
How to develop correct judgment
Developing correct judgment requires practice and discipline. The Stoics believed that we can train our minds to interpret events more objectively and rationally, rather than being dominated by emotions and automatic reactions. Here are some strategies that can help us in this process:
1. Self-knowledge
Before we can correctly judge external events, we must first know ourselves. We must be aware of our own tendencies and thought patterns, as well as our emotions and habitual reactions. This allows us to identify our weaknesses and work on them in order to develop a more balanced and objective perspective.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that helps us be present in the current moment and observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can become more aware of our automatic reactions and learn to pause before responding to a situation. This gives us the opportunity to assess the situation more rationally and choose the most appropriate response.
3. Exercise empathy
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their experiences and perspectives. By exercising empathy, we can distance ourselves from our own points of view and consider different perspectives. This helps us avoid hasty judgments and make more informed, compassionate decisions.
4. Reflection and self-evaluation
Reflection and self-evaluation are essential practices in Stoicism. We must regularly take time to reflect on our actions, thoughts and emotions, and assess whether we are acting in accordance with reason and virtue. This allows us to correct any deviations and improve our judgment over time.
Conclusion
Correct judgment in Stoicism is a fundamental skill that allows us to interpret events objectively and rationally, acting in accordance with reason and virtue. Developing correct judgment takes practice and discipline, but it can lead to a more virtuous and happier life. By cultivating self-knowledge, practicing mindfulness, exercising empathy, and reflecting regularly, we can improve our judgment and achieve greater inner tranquility.
