Death in Stoicism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Tabriz, Iran

2 M.A., Department of Philosophy, University of Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Stoicism was an outstanding one among the Hellenistic schools, and have had a great influence on Greek and Roman life. Among its teachings the so called conatus (self-preservation) specially has been asserted as the first command of every thing’s nature: the first instinct and the first desire of every living creature is an effort for preserving itself in accordance with nature. Thus, the virtual life for a man is a life according to nature. The so-called suicide, on the other hand, has been an act of frequency among Stoic philosophers: a considerable number of them committed a voluntarily death. Is this inconsistent with their so-call conatus? Though they sought to avoid Platonic dualism between the sensible and the intellectual, nevertheless they accepted that the logos was the true-self of man and nature, and human reason was immortal for them. They condemn any kind of suicide, as well rejecting the passion-rooted seeking of saving life for any price. According to the Stoics, the death of an ideal wise is the same as conformity to nature and reason, whether it happens so-called “naturally” or of her/his own free will; because for such a person, will, nature and reason are compatible with each other. But since they have not considered anyone, not even their leaders, as an example of absolute wisdom, in fact, no suicide attempt can be considered entirely approved by them. Readiness for death among the Stoics must be seen as a foundation of calm and active life in individual and social life recommended by them: calm spiritually, active practically.

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 18, Issue 46 - Serial Number 46
Articles
2024
Pages 297-312

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