What is Judgment in Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that originated in Greece and developed during the Hellenistic period. One of the main ideas of Stoicism is the importance of correct judgment. In the Stoic context, judgment refers to our ability to evaluate and interpret situations and events that occur in our lives. Stoicism teaches that proper judgment is essential to achieving wisdom and virtue.

The importance of judgment in Stoicism

In Stoicism, judgment is considered a fundamental skill that allows us to discern between what is in our control and what is not. The Stoics believed that many of the problems and suffering we face in life are caused by our mistaken judgments. By learning to judge correctly, we can avoid many of these problems and achieve a calmer, happier life.

Right judgment and the nature of things

According to the Stoics, correct judgment involves recognizing the nature of things and accepting them as they are. They believed that nature is governed by universal laws and that we must align ourselves with these laws to live in harmony with the world around us. By judging correctly, we are able to recognize that certain things are beyond our control and that we should only focus on what is in our power.

Judgment and emotions

In Stoicism, judgment is also closely linked to our emotions. The Stoics believed that our emotions are the result of our judgments about things. If we judge a situation to be good, we will experience positive emotions, such as joy. On the other hand, if we judge a situation as bad, we will experience negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. Therefore, learning to judge correctly is essential to control our emotions and achieve inner tranquility.

Judgment and freedom

In Stoicism, correct judgment is also related to our inner freedom. The Stoics believed that although we cannot control external circumstances, we can control our own responses to them. By learning to judge correctly, we can free ourselves from the opinions and expectations of others, as well as our own unbridled passions and desires. This allows us to live according to our own principles and values, rather than being slaves to external circumstances.

Judgment and virtue

In Stoicism, correct judgment is considered essential to achieving virtue. The Stoics believed that virtue is the highest good and that all other things, such as wealth, fame, and pleasure, pale in comparison. Virtue consists of living according to reason and acting in accordance with moral principles. Right judgment helps us discern what is virtuous and act in accordance with those principles, leading us to lives of moral excellence.

Judgment and self-improvement

In Stoicism, correct judgment is also related to our process of self-improvement. The Stoics believed that we should strive to constantly improve as human beings and that correct judgment is fundamental in this process. By correctly judging our actions and behaviors, we can identify our weaknesses and areas for improvement and work to correct them. Correct judgment helps us become better and more virtuous people.

Judgment and acceptance

In Stoicism, correct judgment also involves accepting things as they are. The Stoics believed that we should accept external circumstances and life's adversities with serenity and resignation. By judging correctly, we are able to recognize that not everything is under our control and that we must adapt and accept things as they are. This allows us to find inner peace and live in harmony with the world around us.

Judgment and the practice of stoicism

In Stoicism, correct judgment is a skill that can be developed through practice and self-examination. The Stoics believed that we should strive to become more aware of our judgments and to evaluate them according to reason and virtue. The practice of meditation and reflection is also recommended to cultivate correct judgment. The more we practice sound judgment, the closer we come to Stoic wisdom and virtue.

Judgment and the role of the philosopher

In Stoicism, correct judgment is especially important to the Stoic philosopher. The Stoic philosopher is one who seeks to live in accordance with reason and virtue, and correct judgment is fundamental to achieving this goal. The Stoic philosopher must be able to correctly judge the situations and events that occur in his life and act in accordance with moral principles. Correct judgment is a skill that the Stoic philosopher must cultivate and improve throughout his philosophical journey.

Judgment and the search for wisdom

In Stoicism, correct judgment is considered an essential part of the pursuit of wisdom. The Stoics believed that wisdom consists of living according to reason and acting in accordance with moral principles. Right judgment helps us discern what is wise and act in accordance with that wisdom. The more we develop our sound judgment, the closer we come to Stoic wisdom and a life of moral excellence.

Judgment and everyday life

In Stoicism, correct judgment is a skill that can be applied to all areas of our lives. From the simplest everyday decisions to the most complex challenges, sound judgment helps us make wise decisions and act in accordance with moral principles. By cultivating sound judgment, we can live a more authentic, meaningful life in harmony with nature.