In this episode, Michael Tremblay explores Epictetus' radical approach to anger and forgiveness. Discover why the Stoics believed we should pity rather than punish those who harm us, and how this ancient wisdom offers a practical path to emotional freedom in your daily life. Through Epictetus' teachings, learn the liberating power of seeing wrongdoers as victims of their own confusion.

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

Michael and Caleb dive into classic philosophical thought experiments to uncover Stoic solutions to impossible choices. From the infamous Trolley Problem to the Happiness Machine, they examine how Stoicism's focus on virtue, context, and roles provides a unique framework for moral decision-making.

Unlike utilitarian or rule-based ethics, the Stoic approach emphasizes character over consequences, yet remains practical when facing life's hardest choices. This thought-provoking conversation challenges modern assumptions about ethical reasoning while revealing surprising Stoic positions on torture, self-sacrifice, and artificial pleasure.

(01:57) Trolley Problem

(14:35) Do Stoics Endorse Torture?

(20:31) Happiness Machine

(24:24) Utility Monster

(27:14) Euthyphro Dilemma

(35:53) Sinking Ship

(40:59) Prisoner's Dilemma

(46:11) Omelas Child

(53:59) Takeaways

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Download the Stoa app (it's a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod

If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.

Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/

Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

Caleb and Michael break down Book IV of Cicero's "On Ends" - his powerful critique of Stoic ethics.

Discover why Cicero believed the Stoics fell short by prioritizing virtue alone while dismissing external goods.

Is Stoicism just playing word games with what's "good" versus "preferred"? Would the perfect Stoic and the perfect Aristotelian behave the same way? This episode tackles the core tensions in ancient ethics that are relevant for modern life.

(03:22) Cicero's Perspective

(07:51) Weak Arguments

(08:44) Powerful Argument #1 – Stoicism Wasn't New

(16:16) Powerful Argument #2 – We Have A Body

(22:22) Powerful Argument #3 – The Dilemma

(33:27) Defending Stoicism from #3

(48:30) Taking On Argument #2

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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod

If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.

Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/

Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/