Epictetus has rung my bell ever since I first encountered him forty years ago as a young graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. I was, and am, consistently moved by his frank, emphatic, almost confrontational style of teaching. Whenever I read his Discourses, it lifts my spirits, inspires me, and makes me feel wiserâeven stronger. So, I naturally want to read the insights other authors have about his earnest, gripping brand of Stoicism. The wisdom of Epictetusâ teachings never fades. He equips his readers with the philosophical tools for crafting a life of freedom, resilience, and joy. Who doesnât want that?
Our book offers a fresh translation of Epictetusâs Handbook alongside extensive philosophical commentary. The book introduces the Stoic tradition, emphasizingâŚ
What I loved about this book is its lucid, ambitious, and exceptionally insightful treatment of Epictetus as a Socratic moral teacher.
I admired how Long brought Epictetus to life not only as a philosopher but also as a pedagogue ardently committed to human flourishing. His analysis of Epictetusâs use of the Socratic method, his compelling interpretation of prohairesis as âvolition,â and his explanation of Epictetusâs theology as both intimate and distinctly Stoic were masterful.
I especially appreciated how Long captured Epictetusâs tone, rhetorical range, and practical urgency. His emphasis on Epictetusâs originalityâparticularly in appropriating Socratic methodsâwas spot on, making the book an engaging and invaluable contribution to understanding Epictetus.
The philosophy of Epictetus, a freed slave in the Roman Empire, has been profoundly influential on Western thought: it offers not only stimulating ideas but practical guidance in living one's life. A. A. Long, a leading scholar of later ancient philosophy, gives the definitive presentation of the thought of Epictetus for a broad readership. Long's fresh and vivid translations of a selection of the best of Epictetus' discourses show that his ideas are as valuable and striking today as they were amost two thousand years ago. The translations are organized thematically within the framework of an authoritative introduction and commentary,âŚ
I really like how this book shows both the importance of roles in Epictetusâs Stoicism and the originality of Epictetusâs version of role ethics.
With great clarity, originality, and graceful exposition, it offers a penetrating analysis of an often-ambiguous text. Johnsonâs engaging and patient exposition and meticulous cross-referencing are terrific. Johnson offers a first-rate analysis of Stoic logic within the ethical domain, and his comparison with Ciceroâs De Officiis is insightful and careful.
I trust this fine work as an effective guide to Epictetus, particularly in navigating the challenges of an unsystematic and elliptical source text.
The Role Ethics of Epictetus: Stoicism in Ordinary Life offers an original interpretation of Epictetus's ethics and how he bases his ethics on an appeal to our roles in life. Epictetus believes that every individual is the bearer of many roles from sibling to citizen and that individuals are morally good if they fulfill the obligations associated with these roles. To understand Epictetus's account of roles, scholars have often mistakenly looked backwards to Cicero's earlier and more schematic account of roles. However, for Cicero, roles are merely a tool in the service of the virtue of decorum where decorum isâŚ
I loved the bold new interpretation that Epictetus was actually the author of the Discourses rather than the teacher who narrated them to his student Arrian, who wrote them down, as the vast majority of scholars believe.
Dobbinâs introduction offers a concise and lucid overview of Epictetus, supported by a meticulous bibliography and generous indices. I was pleased by the balance of accuracy and readability of his translation, which is often clearer than Robin Hardâs and more modern than W. A. Oldfatherâs.
I found the commentary to be generally excellent, with insightful connections to Stoic theory, other philosophical schools, and rich cross-referencing throughout. Dobbinâs treatment of prohairesis, Epictetusâ originality, and his creative polemics is quite compelling. I also appreciated his attention to Epictetusâ pedagogical strengths and philosophical rigor.
The Discourses are a key source for ancient Stoicism, one of the richest and most influential schools of thought in Western philosophy. They not only represent the Stoicism of Epictetus' own time, but also reflect the teachings of such early Stoics as Zeno and Chrysippus, whose writings are largely lost. The first of the four books of the Discourses is philosophically the richest: it focuses primarily on ethics and moral psychology, but also touches on issues of logic, epistemology, science, and rhetoric. Other notable schools of ancient thought, including Epicureanism, the Sceptics, and the Cynics, are discussed.
What I found most distinctive about this book is its originality. It explores a topic earlier scholars of Epictetus have not: Epictetusâ perspective on non-philosophers.
This work is painstakingly documented, systematic, and sensible. MacGillivrayâs account of Epictetusâ use of exempla is astute, and I liked his nuanced examination of civic religion and law. I also praise this book for its convincing use of primary Stoic sources alongside Epictetus.
Erlend Dr. MacGillivray's Epictetus and Laypeople: A Stoic Stance toward the Rest of Humanity explores the understanding that ancient philosophers had towards the vast majority of people at the time, those who had no philosophical knowledge or adherence-laypeople. After exploring how philosophical identity was established in antiquity, this book examines the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who reflected upon laypeople with remarkable frequency. MacGillivray shows that Epictetus maintained his stance that a small and distinguishable group of philosophically aware individuals existed, alongside his conviction that most of humanity can be inclined to act in accordance with virtuous principles by their dependence uponâŚ
I enjoyed how Scaltsas and Mason curated a diverse yet cohesive set of essays that illuminate Epictetus from fresh and engaging angles.
I was particularly impressed by the introduction, which was clear, concise, and inviting. The various contributions are generally of high caliber, but that of Julia Annas is a real gem. Her insights into Stoic ethics and everyday roles are both profound and eminently practical. I also found very valuable the essays on logic, theology, and personhood, each of which combines erudition with probing exposition.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus has been one of the most influential of ancient thinkers, both in antiquity itself and in modern times. Theodore Scaltsas and Andrew S. Mason present ten specially written papers which discuss Epictetus' thought on a wide range of subjects, including ethics, logic, theology, and psychology; explore his relations to his predecessors (including his two philosophical heroes, Socrates and Diogenes the Cynic, as well as the earlier Stoic tradition); and examine his influence on later thinkers. Written by some of the leading experts in the field, the essays in this volume will be a fascinating resource forâŚ
Our book offers a fresh translation of Epictetusâs Handbook alongside extensive philosophical commentary. The book introduces the Stoic tradition, emphasizing logic, physics, and ethics, and situates Epictetus within that legacy, especially through the influence of Socrates, Diogenes, and Musonius Rufus. Each chapter of the Encheiridion is analyzed with argumentative depth to clarify its practical and philosophical significance.
The authors also confront five formidable objections to Stoicismâthe inaction, ruin, practicability, system, skepticism, and weaponization problemsâand present thoughtful Stoic responses to each. Framed as a developmental manual, the Encheiridion is shown to guide moral progressors through escalating challenges, defending Stoicism as a living, defensible, and aspirational philosophical system.
