Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Sophrosyne? The Stoic Virtue of Balance, Limits, and Staying Centered
What Is Sophrosyne? Sophrosyne in Stoicism is the virtue of balance, the ability to govern desires and impulses through knowledge of one’s limits. The Stoic meaning of sophrosyne is not strict self-denial or restraint for its own sake, but staying centered and proportionate in how we relate to pleasure, comfort, ambition, and emotion. It matters […]
Read morePosted on 26/12/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Andreia? The Stoic Courage to Do What Is Right
What Is Andreia? Andreia in Stoicism is the virtue of moral courage, the strength to act according to reason even when fear, pain, or social pressure is present. The Stoic meaning of andreia is not about bravado or toughness, but about steadiness of character in difficult moments. This concept matters because modern life constantly tests […]
Read morePosted on 19/12/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Dikaiosyne? How Stoic Justice Shapes Character and Action
What Is Dikaiosyne? Dikaiosyne in Stoicism is justice as lived character, the virtue that governs how we act toward others and how we take responsibility for our place in the world. In Stoic philosophy, dikaiosyne shapes character because every action is a moral action, never neutral, never isolated. This Stoic understanding of dikaiosyne matters today […]
Read morePosted on 12/12/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Sophia? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What Is Sophia? Sophia in Stoicism is the virtue of wisdom, the deep understanding of what is truly good, bad, and neither. It is the highest intellectual virtue in the Stoic tradition, guiding right judgment and right action. Sophia is central because it shapes how you interpret the world, how you choose your priorities, and […]
Read morePosted on 28/11/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Phronesis? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What Is Phronesis? Phronēsis in Stoicism is practical wisdom, the ability to judge clearly, act rightly, and see what a situation requires. In Stoic thought, what phronēsis comes down to is living with steady reason in every circumstance, not just knowing the right thing but doing it. The Stoics considered phronēsis the skill that turns […]
Read morePosted on 28/11/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Physis?
Physis in Stoicism is the principle of nature itself, the rational order that governs the universe and everything within it. It is both the source and standard of all things: the living, intelligent structure that Stoics sought to understand and live in harmony with.To “live according to nature” (kata phusin) is to align one’s life […]
Read morePosted on 06/11/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Telos? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What Is Telos? Telos (τέλος) in Stoicism is the ultimate goal or purpose of human life, the end toward which all actions should aim. The Stoic telos is to live in agreement with nature, which means living rationally and virtuously. Understanding telos helps us orient every decision, desire, and effort toward what truly matters. In […]
Read morePosted on 31/10/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Heimarmene? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What Is Heimarmene? Heimarmene in Stoicism is the concept of fate, the rational order of cause and effect that governs the universe. It means that everything unfolds through a connected chain of events shaped by reason (logos). For the Stoics, understanding Heimarmene helps us accept what happens without despair or resistance. In modern life, it […]
Read morePosted on 24/10/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Boulesis? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What is Boulesis? Boulesis in Stoicism is the rational will or moral desire directed toward what is truly good. It reflects the inner movement of the soul that seeks virtue and harmony with nature. While passions pull us toward pleasure and away from pain, boulēsis is guided by reason; it’s the Stoic’s disciplined wish for […]
Read morePosted on 16/10/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
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Greek Stoic Philosophy Terms
What Is Askesis? Understanding the Stoic Meaning and Practice
What is Askesis? Askesis in Stoicism is the disciplined practice of training one’s mind and character toward virtue. The word describes the process through which Stoics strengthen their reasoning, control impulses, and align daily actions with nature. In modern life, askesis reminds us that wisdom and peace do not come from reading philosophy alone, but […]
Read morePosted on 10/10/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments
