Around 3rd century BCE, a major step in philosophical development took place. The Stoic system of thought was molded into one that is still popular today. This system places an emphasis on logical discoveries and the unifying principle of nature. According to the Stoics, Ethics was believed to align itself with this view of natural reason. This belief system does present some ambiguities, though. The perfectionist aspect of Stoicism towards the treatment of virtues requires the suppression of passions. This creates tensions between to competing elements of reason and desire. Thus, the Stoics can be seen as elevating Reason to the place of highest power in their lives. This view of Reason can be viewed as an extreme way of thinking.
Though this philosophy was developed outside of Aristotle's time, one can't help to imagine the conflicts that would occur between them. Aristotle preached the necessity of a golden mean, one that would allow the individual to balance between two extremes. When confronted with this method of philosophy, what do you think he would say? Would he disregard Stoicism, claiming it was a false wisdom rooted in extreme notions? Or would he believe this philosophy to have a basis in truth, allowing it to flourish in the Hellenistic age it was discovered in?
I think, Aristotle would partly agree and partly disagree with the stoic point of view. He would definitely agree, when it comes to the fact that Reason is the highest good for humans and must therefore be used to achieve a happy life. In some parts, both philosophical ideas are pretty similar, e.g. the claim that ignorance (of the very nature of human beings) leads to vice and unhappiness. Another similarity is the stoic's demand, not to give emotions more power over judgements then Reason. This relates to Aristotle saying that good judgements can only be made by Reason (i.e. the golden mean).
ReplyDeleteIn other parts, Aristotle would definitely disagree with the stoics. In his philosophy, experience and therefore the knowledge of good and bad feelings play a big role in order to find the right way between excess and deficiency.