Stoics and Epicureans: Their Philosophical Journey and Persecution in Ancient Rome

Stoics and Epicureans, two prominent schools of philosophy in the Roman Empire, had a unique journey through time. While often misunderstood, their teachings aimed to provide guidance on living the best life possible. This article explores their philosophy, the environment in which they thrived and sometimes faced persecution.

Overview of Stoics and Epicureans

Stoicism and Epicureanism were widespread and influential philosophical movements within the Roman Empire. Though both sought to help individuals live their best lives, their perspectives diverged significantly. Stoicism emphasized virtue, while Epicureanism focused on pleasure and avoiding pain. Neither was persecuted immediately, with persecution gaining prominence only after the rise of Christianity as the state religion.

The Pursuit of a Stoic and Epicurean Life

For both Stoics and Epicureans, the pursuit of philosophical insight was not about martyrdom or seeking virtue for its own sake, but rather about leading a fulfilling and ethical life. Both advocated for preparing oneself for potential adversities, including death, as a natural part of life.

Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, articulated the Stoic perspective on death. In his journal, Meditations, Marcus wrote, 'Learn to look upon death as a kind of blessing since it merely removes the annoyance of those people who enrage or vex us.' This illustration highlights the Stoic view that the key to a good life is to accept all aspects of life, including death.

Epicureanism: In contrast, Epictetus viewed life as a stage play. He suggested that one should embrace their role and perform it beautifully, aiming for excellence and realizing that life has a definitive end.

Divergent Philosophical Views

The Stoics and Epicureans had fundamentally different views on the organization of the cosmos and the nature of reality. The Stoics believed in a rationally organized universe governed by a beneficent providence, while the Epicureans believed that the world was the random product of haphazard forces without any purpose or design.

Epicureanism: Epicurus believed in the atomic theory, stating that reality consisted of atoms colliding by chance in the void to form everything we see.

Stoicism: Stoics, on the other hand, believed in the pre-ordained nature of the universe, with events unfolding according to fate. They thought that matter was suffused with a divine breath and that atoms had no significant role in the formation of the universe.

The Physics and Cosmology of Stoics and Epicureans

The physical and cosmological views of Stoics and Epicureans were deeply intertwined with their ethical beliefs. Stoics drew heavily on pre-existing beliefs, such as the Heraclitean idea that the universe was destroyed and created over and over again.

Stoics: They believed that the cosmos was arranged in the best possible way by providence, leading to the belief that each cycle of the world's history would be exactly the same.

Epicureans: They held that each person was completely free in their actions, opposing the Stoic belief in fate, yet acknowledging moral responsibility.

Philosophical Paradox and Consistency

The Stoics' moral teachings contained a paradox. If everything was ruled by fate, why did they advise people to act virtuously and improve themselves? This inconsistency arises from the belief that some aspects are under our control while others are not, challenging the notion of absolute determinism.

According to The Dream of Reason p. 361, a few thinkers of the 2nd century adopted the Stoic habit of describing God as a sort of fire permeating the universe, but this idea went against the prevailing spirit of the times which was oppositional to materialism.

Conclusion

Stoics and Epicureans had a profound impact on the Roman Empire, providing moral and philosophical guidance. Although their teachings diverged, their ultimate goal was the same: to lead a fulfilling and virtuous life. Their philosophies faced varying degrees of acceptance and sometimes persecution, but their ideas continue to influence modern thought.

Key Takeaways:

Stoics: Emphasized virtue, preparedness for adversities, and adherence to fate. Epicureans: Focused on pleasure, freedom of action, and avoidance of pain. Philosophical controversy and acceptance varied across the Roman Empire.

Keywords: Stoics, Epicureans, philosophical persecution, Roman Empire