University of Illinois What Is a Good Life Stoic Perspective Discussion

User Generated

noqh83838

Humanities

University of Illinois at Chicago

Description

For this discussion, you will once again use your imagination, show some familiarity with the material, and have a little fun!

1. First respond to a post from the last discussion ( file attached). Respond to it from a Stoic perspective.

2. You will choose a Roman name (https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/roman_names....) and pretend to be a Roman who believes in Stoicism when writing your post. Be creative with your new character. For instance, you can add in little details drawn from (https://www.ancient.eu/article/637/roman-daily-lif...) or other places where you find appropriate information, which explains the life of an ancient Roman. The point is to try to play the character and have fun with it!

3. Within your response, explain what you believe in as a Stoic. Be sure to emphasize a minimum of at least two of the main concepts we have gone over in the class material and use at least one quotation in your post spoken by the master himself, Epictetus. Once you have provided some background, point out at least one area of disagreement between you and the Epicurean whose post you are responding to. Keep it respectful!

Your post should be at least 300 words not including the quotation you will need to use but longer is fine. Be sure to examine the rubric associated with this forum closely so that you know exactly how your post will be graded. When writing your assignment it is best to try to satisfy all of the requirements in the "Exceptional" box of the rubric.

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What is a "good life?" As an Epicurean this is the question I ask myself everyday. As I tend to the home and await the return of my husband from work, I examine what I am doing- is it necessary? Does it bring me joy? Is it contributing to the quality and simplicity of my life? I have found that these examinations and questions in my everyday life have improved my life. Epicurus would argue that understanding and accepting philosophy will lead you to develop reason, become wiser, and, in-turn, improve your overall happiness. Some central concepts worth observing by all Epicureans, including myself, are those of existence, pleasure, and simplicity and their roles in human life. Many view pleasure as a hedonistic concept and believe there is something inherently "evil" or "wrong" with searching for optimal pleasure and satisfaction in life. But I think that they are missing the true value of the role of pleasure in one's life. I understand where they come from and can see how one may think pleasure is not the priority of life nor should it be. However, I think if you are able to distinguish different types of pleasure and determine how they fit into your day-to-day life with prudence, then you will also be able to understand certain restrictions on and consequences of unnecessary desires. Epicurus believed that there were no "bad" pleasures, only bad ways of attaining them. A good way of summarizing how we Epicureans feel about pleasure is this: there are no consequences to natural pleasures. So go care for your sheep and use them only for what is necessary in order to live happily, sustainably, and guilt/consequence free. One other very important issue to address in terms of Epicurean belief is existences itself (and also the lack thereof). You see, as an Epicurean it is our belief that we are all just parts of a system. Parts that are formed together just as easily as they can be taken apart. Epicurus once said: "understanding that death is nothing to us makes the mortality of life enjoyable, not by adding to life an unlimited time, but by taking away the yearning after immortality." Death is nothing, it is just a lack of our own existence, and is not perceivable to us. As we die, our parts are broken down along with our awareness. As our awareness fades so does our ability to perceive our death. If you do not fear your existence pre-birth, then why fear it post-death? This idea is why we believe that he who is not fearful of death will experience a well-balanced Ataraxia and will, therefore, be ultimately wise. I will leave you with this: if anything I have written to you has intrigued you or caused you to question anything... just remember that Epicurus believed that it was never to late to begin seeking out wisdom and therefore finding your true happiness and meaning in life. All the best, Khione Discussion Rubric Following Directions Inadequate The directions for the assignment are not followed in all or almost all places. 1 Points Fair Directions are followed for the most part but aspects are missing. For instance, the word count is not followed. 2 Points Exceptional All directions for the assignment are followed. 3 Points Quality of Writing Inadequate Fair Assignment is sloppy. The grammatical problems and/or There are some grammatical errors and spelling spelling issues are so numerous that it detracts from mistakes but not enough to detract from the meaning the assignment. of the post. 1 Points 2 Points Exceptional The post is free of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. 3 Points Creativity With Assignment Inadequate Fair There are no interesting creative details that make the There are some creative details that make things assignment worthwhile. For instance, characterization is interesting and the assignment more worthwhile. There ignored. is an attempt to get into the assignment and make a 1 Points character 2 Points Exceptional The creative part of the assignment is truly embraced. There is detailed characterization and the student really gets into the assignment. 3 Points Utilization of Class Material Inadequate There is no reference to class material. The assignment is tangential and seems to have little to do with class material at all. 4 Points Fair Class material is used to make points but it could be used more thoroughly. No quotation used, for instance. 6 Points Exceptional Class material is used on a number of occasions to illustrate points and a quotation is used and explained. 8 Points Comprehension of Concepts Inadequate Ideas from the class material do not seem to be properly understood in most cases where they are discussed. 4 Points Fair Ideas from the class material are understood for the most part but not thoroughly. Part of what is said about them is right but part is not. 6 Points Exceptional Ideas from the class material are understood and what is said about them is right. 8 Points
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Explanation & Answer

Attached. Please let me know if you have any questions or need revisions.

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Running head: PHILOSOPHY-DISCUSSION

Philosophy-Discussion
Name
Institutional Affiliation

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PHILOSOPHY-DISCUSSION
Philosophy-Discussion
Response from a Stoic’s perspective
Having accepted philosophy has led me to develop reason, become wiser and has
improved my happiness. Embracing simplicity in human life has helped me become content
with what I have. There is nothing wrong with searching for pleasure and satisfaction in life,
but I believe pleasure should not be a priority to bring you happiness. I am satisfied with the
little I own. I do not draw my happiness from pleasure.
Numerius Gavius Cosmas’s belief in stoicism
My name is, Numerius Gavius Cosmas, a Roman citizen and consequently, believe in
the ideology of Roman Stoicism and as such, I lead a simple, normal life. I have lived in the
tenements ever since I migrated to the city. Here, poverty is apparent but that doesn’...


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