Stoic Ethics: The Basics

At a time of unprecedented interest in Stoicism, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to Stoic ethics for students and for readers interested in Stoic life-guidance.

It combines an explanation of the main philosophical ideas in ancient Stoic ethics by Christopher Gill with discussion of how to put these ideas into practice in our own lives by Brittany Polat.

The first seven chapters examine central Stoic ethical claims and the questions raised by their claims, including:

• Why does our happiness in life depend solely on virtue?
• Is ethics grounded on nature; and, if so, does this mean human nature or the natural world?
• What is the connection between gaining ethical understanding and relating properly to other people?
• What counts as right action and how do we learn to make good decisions?
• What is the proper place of emotion in the good life?

The two final chapters discuss the significance of these Stoic ideas for modern thought, especially for virtue ethics and environmental ethics, and the Stoic contribution to guidance on living.

With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading, Stoic Ethics: The Basics is an ideal starting point for anyone looking for an accessible and lively explanation of Stoic ideas and their implications for practical living.

Christopher Gill is Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter, UK, following earlier appointments at Yale, Bristol, and Aberystwyth Universities. He has published many books and articles on ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism. These include The Structured Self in Hellenistic and Roman Thought (2006), Marcus Aurelius: Meditations Books 1-6, translated with an introduction and commentary (2013), and Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance (2022).

Brittany Polat holds a PhD in applied linguistics but is currently devoted to the study and practice of Stoicism. As a philosophical writer, speaker, and community organizer, she specializes in conveying complex philosophical ideas in a form that is accessible to a wide and diverse audience. Her most recent book is Journal like a Stoic: A 90-day Program to Live with Greater Acceptance, Less Judgement, and Deeper Intentionality (2022).