Ethical utilitarianism is a philosophical current that seeks to guide human actions based on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. In Stoicism, a school of philosophical thought founded in Ancient Greece, ethical utilitarianism plays an important role in the pursuit of virtue and building a full and meaningful life. In this glossary, we will explore in detail what ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism is, its main characteristics and how it can be applied in our everyday lives.

What is ethical utilitarianism?

Ethical utilitarianism is a moral theory that argues that actions should be evaluated based on their consequences and the degree of happiness or suffering they produce. According to this philosophical current, an action is considered morally correct if it results in greater general well-being and a reduction in suffering. On the other hand, an action is considered morally wrong if it causes more suffering than happiness.

In the context of Stoicism, ethical utilitarianism is seen as a practical tool for achieving virtue and living in accordance with the rational nature of the human being. The Stoics believed that virtue is the only true good and that all other things, such as wealth, pleasure and health, are indifferent. Therefore, the main objective of ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism is to pursue virtue and act according to reason regardless of external circumstances.

Main characteristics of ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism

Within Stoicism, ethical utilitarianism has some distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other ethical approaches. Some of the key features include:

1. Focus on happiness and overall well-being

Ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism places a strong focus on happiness and general well-being. The Stoics believed that true happiness is not linked to superficial pleasures or material acquisitions, but rather to virtue and wisdom. Therefore, actions should be evaluated based on their potential to promote happiness and overall well-being.

2. Emphasis on rationality and virtue

In Stoicism, reason and virtue are considered the main guides for ethical action. The Stoics believed that reason is the most important human faculty and that virtue consists in acting in accordance with reason. Therefore, ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism emphasizes the importance of acting rationally and seeking virtue in all situations.

3. Acceptance of fate and external circumstances

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Stoicism is the acceptance of fate and external circumstances. The Stoics believed that we cannot control external events, such as other people's actions or natural events, but we can control our own response to these events. Therefore, ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism involves accepting external circumstances and acting according to reason regardless of what happens.

4. Emphasis on self-reliance and self-mastery

In Stoicism, self-sufficiency and self-mastery are considered fundamental values. The Stoics believed that true happiness and virtue come from within and are not dependent on external factors. Therefore, ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism emphasizes the importance of developing self-reliance and self-mastery to achieve happiness and virtue.

Application of ethical utilitarianism in stoicism in everyday life

Ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism can be applied to our everyday lives in several ways. Some of the practical ways to apply this ethical approach include:

1. Assess the consequences of actions

One of the main practices of ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism is evaluating the consequences of actions before acting. This involves considering how our actions will affect overall happiness and well-being, both for ourselves and others. When making decisions, we must consider whether our actions will promote virtue and happiness or cause unnecessary suffering.

2. Act according to reason

In Stoicism, acting in accordance with reason is fundamental to living an ethical life. This means that we must make decisions based on reason and virtue, rather than being guided by emotions or momentary desires. When applying ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism, we must seek wisdom and act according to reason regardless of external circumstances.

3. Accept external circumstances

One of the central practices of Stoicism is acceptance of external circumstances. This means we must accept events we cannot control and focus on how we can respond to them ethically. When applying ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism, we must accept external circumstances and seek to act in accordance with reason, regardless of what happens.

4. Cultivate self-reliance and self-mastery

In Stoicism, self-sufficiency and self-mastery are considered essential values ​​for achieving happiness and virtue. This means that we must seek to develop the ability to find happiness and virtue within ourselves, rather than depending on external factors. When applying ethical utilitarianism to Stoicism, we must cultivate self-reliance and self-mastery to achieve happiness and virtue.

In summary, ethical utilitarianism in Stoicism is a philosophical approach that seeks to guide human actions based on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. In Stoicism, this ethical approach is applied through a focus on happiness and general well-being, an emphasis on rationality and virtue, an acceptance of fate and external circumstances, and a pursuit of self-reliance and self-mastery. By applying ethical utilitarianism and stoicism to our everyday lives, we can pursue virtue and build a fulfilling and meaningful life.