Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied
Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied
Stoa
Wrestling with Stoic Ethics: Cicero's On Ends V (Episode 183)
52 minutes Posted May 13, 2025 at 5:00 am.
In this final exploration of Cicero's "On Ends," Michael and Caleb break down Book V, where Cicero reveals his own philosophical sweet spot – an Aristotelian-Platonic approach that challenges both Stoicism and Epicureanism.Against a backdrop of ancient Athens, Cicero's characters debate the core question: What makes a truly good human life? They navigate the middle path between Stoic rigidity (where virtue alone brings happiness) and Aristotle's elitism (where external goods are required).
Awesome Beginning
What's Our Purpose?
Supreme Happiness
Cicero's Objection
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52:39
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Show notes
In this final exploration of Cicero's "On Ends," Michael and Caleb break down Book V, where Cicero reveals his own philosophical sweet spot – an Aristotelian-Platonic approach that challenges both Stoicism and Epicureanism.Against a backdrop of ancient Athens, Cicero's characters debate the core question: What makes a truly good human life? They navigate the middle path between Stoic rigidity (where virtue alone brings happiness) and Aristotle's elitism (where external goods are required).(01:53) Awesome Beginning(07:10) What's Our Purpose?(26:09) Supreme Happiness(31:55) Cicero's Objection(40:39) Summary***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoaphilosophyThanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/