Epictetuss 'Encheiridion'

This book presents itself as an accomplished attempt to vulgarize Ench. and to show its enduring relevance. * Revue de Philosophie Antique * Aikin and Stephens Epictetuss Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics is ... a good deal more than only a scholarly translation of the beloved ancient handbook. It could well stand, like its ancient centrepiece, as its own introduction to Stoicism as a philosophical way of life for contemporary readers new to Stoicism, and interested in seriously considering the practical philosophy. * Castalian Stream * 'There are some things that are up to us, others that are not up to us.' This simple yet profound statement begins Epictetuss Encheiridion, the most well-known and most approachable of all Stoic texts. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens have given us a useful, refreshing, modern translation, along with extensive background material and a very thorough commentary on the paradoxes and subtleties of Stoicism, including how it applies to modern life. Both beginners and advanced readers will want to have this excellent volume in their library. * David B. Suits, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA * Aikin and Stephens are not only experts on Stoicism but also excellent teachers, and it shows. This volume provides an ideal way for students to grasp Stoicism and for teachers to make class discussion lively and productive. * Mason Marshall, Professor of Philosophy, Pepperdine University, USA * Epictetuss Encheiridion is an important Roman Stoic text and ideally suited for those new to Stoicism. This up-to-date translation, with helpful commentary and an accessible introduction, should be useful for anyone beginning the study of Stoicism. * John Sellars, Reader in Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK * This book contains much material of great value for those wishing to get acquainted with Stoicism in general and with Epictetus thought in particular. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *

Scott Aikin is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA. William O. Stephens is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University, USA.

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Part One. An Introduction to Ancient Stoicism 1.1 Stoicism before the Stoa 1.2 The Stoics 1.3 The System 1.3.1 Logic 1.3.2 Physics 1.3.3 Ethics 1.4 Six Core Themes 1.4.1 Self-control 1.4.2 See things as they are 1.4.3 Live according to nature 1.4.4 Know your roles, do your duties 1.4.5 Virtue depends on knowing 1.4.6 Stoicism as aspirationalism 1.5 The Stoic Paradoxes 1.5.1 Virtue is the only good 1.5.2 Virtue suffices for happiness 1.5.3 All good actions are equal, as are all bad actions 1.5.4 Only the sage is sane 1.5.5 Only the sage is free 1.5.6 Only the sage is rich 1.5.7 Only the sage is beautiful Part Two. The Encheiridion and Its Context 2.1 Epictetus and His Philosophical Influence 2.2 The Historical Influence of the Encheiridion Part Three. Translation of the Handbook of Epictetus Part Four. Encheiridion Chapter Commentaries Part Five. Critical Responses to Epictetuss Stoicism and Replies 5.1 The Inaction Problem 5.2 Reply to the Inaction Problem 5.3 The Ruin Problem 5.4 Reply to the Ruin Problem 5.5 The Practicability Problem 5.6 Reply to the Practicability Problem 5.7 The System Problem 5.8 Reply to the System Problem 5.9 The Scepticism Problem 5.10 Replies to the Scepticism Problem 5.11 The Weaponization Problem 5.12 Reply to the Weaponization Problem Notes References Index of subjects and names