Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics
Read this advance sneak peek courtesy of Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens
This is an exclusive sneak peek courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing UK to Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics that releases June 15th, 2023. This book serves as an essential guide for readers new to Epictetus's Encheiridion, offering a complete translation and clear explanations of the Stoic philosophy woven throughout its pages. With a focus on self-control, accepting reality, living in harmony with nature, and fulfilling one's roles, Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens make this ancient text accessible to modern readers.
If you're new to the Encheiridion of Epictetus, this book offers an in-depth guide to understanding the complex philosophical text. With a complete translation and clear explanatory commentaries, the authors unpack the key themes of Stoic ethics found in this influential work.
Coauthor William O. Stephens is one of our esteemed guest speakers at our upcoming Saturday, May 20th event, Choose Not to Be Harmed: Philosophy & Resilience.
Epictetus’s Encheiridion
A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics
With this translation and commentary, we are out to accomplish several overlapping objectives. First, we want to show how Epictetus’s Encheiridion is part of a larger story of a philosophical school’s inception, development and reception in the ancient world and beyond. Much of that story is about the Stoic tradition that antedates Epictetus with philosophers like Socrates and Diogenes, who were inspirations to the later Stoics.
We turn to focus on Zeno, Cleanthes and Chrysippus as they formulated the core ideas of their school. We also believe an under-appreciated figure, Musonius Rufus, deserves focused attention for his story, given his role in Epictetus’s introduction to the Porch. Furthermore, we wish to highlight the starkness and clarity that define the Stoic programme, which we believe is best served by discussing Cicero’s catalogue of Stoic paradoxes (with one we add for good measure). Our remarks on these set the stage for a picture of Epictetus the philosopher and the story of his Encheiridion, compiled and distributed by his student Arrian. We trace the high points of the Encheiridion’s influence on philosophy and literature in the Western tradition to its contemporary impact.
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