Stoic Virtues: Chrysippus and the Religious Character of Stoic Ethics

by Christoph Jedan

Like its ancient rivals, Stoic ethics was a form of virtue ethics, yet while the concept of virtue was clearly central to Stoic ethics, the concept of Stoic virtue has not yet been fully explored. Instead, the existing literature tends to impose on the Stoic material philosophically quite alien non-Aristotelian interpretations of virtue. According to Christoph Jedan, however, a thorough examination of the Stoic concept of virtue leads to a reassessment of our understanding of Stoic ethics. This book emphasises in particular the theological underpinning of Stoic ethics, which Jedan contends has been underestimated in current accounts of Stoic ethics. Jedan argues that the theological motifs in Stoic ethics are in fact pivotal to a complete understanding of Stoic ethics. The book focuses on Chrysippus, the most important of the early Stoic thinkers, suggesting that his contribution, and in particular its religious aspect, remained a key point of reference for later Stoics. This fascinating book makes a crucial contribution to the field of ancient ethics.

Genres: Philosophy

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Michel Daw]

Second time through this. Still had lots to learn. An excellent view of Stoic ideas of virtue, with some interesting speculation toward the end. BTW, don't let the term 'religious' throw you. It is religion in the 21st century sense (i.e. mystical) but rather the systematic approach towards personal commitment and transformation in the light of universal truths. Worthy of several re-reads.

[Vigeeking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on the breakdown of virtue as Stoics saw it. Very firmly in the Traditional Stoic camp.