The Philosophy of Stoicism: Agency, Reason, and Human Nature

In this episode Ariel explores Stoic philosophy and ethics with Jula Wildberger, Professor Emerita of Classics at the American University of Paris.

Professor Wildberger discusses:

•⁠ ⁠The core Stoic idea of human agency and what is truly good

•⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic belief in living according to one's own nature

•⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic view on emotions: distinguishing between involuntary reactions, harmful "passions", and the sage's "eupatheiai"

•⁠ ⁠⁠How "Indifferents" like health or wealth are neither truly good nor bad, but are still relevant to virtue

•⁠ ⁠⁠The importance of sociability as a fundamental human characteristic

•⁠ ⁠⁠The challenges of applying ancient Stoicism, considering its original physical and metaphysical underpinnings

•⁠ ⁠⁠How Stoic principles can still offer practical value today