Introduction to Stoicism

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Questions and Answers

What should rulers and leaders prioritize according to Stoicism?

Popularity and influence

Political power and wealth

Tradition and conformity

Virtue and reason (correct)

What does Stoicism suggest about the acceptance of fate?

It is important to regret past decisions.

One should accept events with equanimity. (correct)

It is essential to fight against misfortune.

Individuals should blame others for their circumstances.

Which of the following best describes the approach of non-violent resistance in Stoicism?

Accepting injustice without action.

Promoting legal reform through violence.

Using aggression to confront injustices.

Focusing on rational discussion and persuasion. (correct)

What defines civil disobedience in the context of political philosophy?

Refusing to comply with an unjust government non-violently. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mahatma Gandhi contribute to the concept of nonviolent resistance?

Through the development of Satyagraha. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Stoicism primarily emphasize in its approach to political philosophy?

The role of individuals in society Signup and view all the answers

Which leader focused on civil rights through nonviolent means until his assassination?

Martin Luther King Jr. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aim of the Occupy Movement?

To address inequality and greedy capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is central to Stoic political philosophy?

Cosmopolitanism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of Stoicism as applied to political philosophy?

Promotion of violent means to achieve justice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Stoic view on justice in relation to natural law?

Justice aligns with the inherent order of the universe Signup and view all the answers

Which belief reflects the Stoic view on civic responsibility?

Civic duties are essential for living virtuously Signup and view all the answers

How do Stoics view the concept of cosmopolitanism compared to nationalism?

Cosmopolitanism prioritizes collective global community over national interests Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of Stoicism regarding the relationship between individual virtues and societal wellbeing?

Living virtuously contributes to the wellbeing of the community Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Stoic perspective on moral duty?

Moral duty is a fundamental requirement owed to all individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the Stoic belief regarding human laws?

Human laws should align with the rational order of the universe Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stoicism Introduction

Stoicism is a Hellenistic philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE.
Its followers are known as the Stoics.
Stoicism is primarily an ethical philosophy but also contains important political and social principles.
Stoic ideas about politics focus less on institutions and more on the role of individuals within society and how a virtuous life contributes to collective well-being.

Key Stoic Points

Cosmopolitanism:
- Stoics believe all people are part of a single global community.
- All share the same rational nature; there is a strong moral duty toward others.
Natural Justice:
- Justice is an inherent part of the universe and human laws should align with a higher rational order.
Duty and Civic Responsibility:
- Fulfilling civic duties is part of a virtuous life.
- Stoics emphasize serving others, but less concerned with achieving political power.
Leadership and Governance:
- Rulers and leaders should prioritize virtue and reason over all else.
Indifference to Political Power:
- Stoics advocate detachment from political power and wealth.
Acceptance of Fate:
- Stoics accept what happens in life, including political circumstances, that are beyond one's control with equanimity.
Non-Violent Resistance:
- Stoicism emphasizes rationality and self-control, promoting nonviolent means of addressing injustice and societal problems, using persuasion rather than aggression.
Civil Disobedience:
- Civil disobedience is the refusal to obey government demands or commands without resorting to violence.

Examples of Stoic Influences

Mahatma Gandhi: Developed Satyagraha in India during the British colonial period.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Led the American Civil Rights Movement until his assassination in 1968.
Corazon C. Aquino: Opposition leader and main rival to President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during the 1986 snap election.
The Occupy Movement: An outcry against inequality and greedy capitalism (the 1%).
Armed Struggle: The use of physical force via organized military or guerrilla tactics to achieve political objectives.

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Description

Explore Stoicism, a philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE. This quiz covers key concepts such as cosmopolitanism, natural justice, and civic responsibility, emphasizing the Stoic view of ethics and individual roles in society. Test your understanding of how Stoic principles can guide virtuous living.