The influence of other philosophies on later stoicism

Abstract

Introduction: rise of Stoicism: 3 chief periods in its history:- A) Zeno - Ohrysippus; B) Panaetius and Posidonius; G) Roman Stoics - change in its character:- influence of other philosophies one of causes. Stoicism itself largely derived from other systems, hut distinct ive. Beginning of influence of other systems. 1) Chrysippus - possible modifications - the 'end', the 'good'. 2) Boethius:- conflagration; cosmos. 3) Zeno, Diogenes, Antipater. 'end', 'good', criterion. Influence of New Academy: indirect. 1) Carneades:- criticism. 2) Resulting Eclecticism. Direct influence of Scepticism. Malinly Panaetius:- a) dubitare, b) psychology, c) epistemology, d) ethics - end, good, e) wise man, f) theology. Influence of Platonism. 1) Panaetius - ethics; the virtues. 2) Posidonius - psychology; nature, origin and destiny of soul; the 'flesh'; Philosopher King. 3) note:- Posidonius to Seneca; Vergil. 4) Seneca - creation; anthropology; psychology. - immortality; pre-existence - purgatory. Certainty difficult:- inconsistencies. 5) Musonius - ethical point ) Epictetus - soul (doubtful) ) much less influence Marcus Aurelius - few traces ) Peripatetic influence. 1) Panaetius - cosmos: conflagration, possible consequences. Anthropology; psychology. Ethics - 'wisdom'; the 'mean'. 2) Posidonius - interest in positive science; psychology (functions of soul); ethics - (improbable). 3) Seneca - ethics:- inconsistent; divisions (l) of philosophy, (2) of virtue. ' 4) Latest Stoics. Aristotle and Marcus Aurelius - slight. VIII. Eclecticism in Roman Stoics. Different direction - total concentration on practical ethics; theoretical studies disparaged. Ethics mainly Stoic: eclectic spirit in:- {a) treatment of doctrines; lb) acceptance of moral teaching from any quarter. IX. A) Approximation of Epictetus to Cynicism, e.g. approach to insensibility; Cynic - ideal philosopher. B) Influence of Heraclitus on Marcus Aurelius, e.g. 'flux' which colours doctrine of man, externals, death and soul. Providence - universal Reason. X. Stoicism and Christianity. new tone in Stoicism needs explanation. Christian influence not impossible historically; possible connections between Seneca and St. Paul. Parallels in Stoic and Christian writings. Seneca - God, sin, universal love and forgiveness. Epictetus - piety, God. Marcus Aurelius - humanity, love of mankind. Last effect of Christianity on Stoicism, to destroy need for it; absorbed its best elements; end of this chapter - but new life.