Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics

For anyone approaching the Encheiridion of Epictetus for the first time, this book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding a complex philosophical text. Including a full translation and clear explanatory commentaries, Epictetus's 'Encheiridion' introduces readers to a hugely influential work of Stoic philosophy. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens unravel the core themes of Stoic ethics found within this ancient handbook. Focusing on the core themes of self-control, seeing things as they are, living according to nature, owning one's roles and fulfilling the responsibilities that those roles entail, the authors elucidate the extremely challenging ideas in Epictetus's brisk chapters. Divided into five distinct parts, this book provides readers with: - A new translation of the Encheiridion by William O. Stephens. - A new introduction to ancient Stoicism, its system of concepts, and the ancient figures who shaped it. - A fresh treatment of the notorious and counter-intuitive 'Stoic paradoxes'. - An accessible overview of the origin and historical context of the Encheiridion. - Detailed commentaries on each chapter of the Encheiridion that clarify its recurring themes and highlight their interconnections. - Careful attention to the presentation of the arguments embedded in Epictetus's aphoristic style. - A thoughtful discussion of serious criticisms of Epictetus's Stoicism and replies to these objections. Written with clarity and authority, Epictetus's 'Encheiridion' provides a foundation from which readers can understand this important text and engage with the fundamental questions of Stoic philosophy and ethics. This guide will aid teachers of Epictetus, students encountering Stoicism for the first time, and readers seeking a greater understanding of Stoic ethics.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Part One. An Introduction to Ancient Stoicism 1.1 Stoicism before the Stoa 1.2 The Stoics 1.3 The System 1.3.1 Logic 1.3.2 Physics 1.3.3 Ethics 1.4 Six Core Themes 1.4.1 Self-control 1.4.2 See things as they are 1.4.3 Live according to nature 1.4.4 Know your roles, do your duties 1.4.5 Virtue depends on knowing 1.4.6 Stoicism as aspirationalism 1.5 The Stoic Paradoxes 1.5.1 Virtue is the only good 1.5.2 Virtue suffices for happiness 1.5.3 All good actions are equal, as are all bad actions 1.5.4 Only the sage is sane 1.5.5 Only the sage is free 1.5.6 Only the sage is rich 1.5.7 Only the sage is beautiful Part Two. The Encheiridion and Its Context 2.1 Epictetus and His Philosophical Influence 2.2 The Historical Influence of the Encheiridion Part Three. Translation of the Handbook of Epictetus Part Four. Encheiridion Chapter Commentaries Part Five. Critical Responses to Epictetus's Stoicism and Replies 5.1 The Inaction Problem 5.2 Reply to the Inaction Problem 5.3 The Ruin Problem 5.4 Reply to the Ruin Problem 5.5 The Practicability Problem 5.6 Reply to the Practicability Problem 5.7 The System Problem 5.8 Reply to the System Problem 5.9 The Scepticism Problem 5.10 Replies to the Scepticism Problem 5.11 The Weaponization Problem 5.12 Reply to the Weaponization Problem Notes References Index of subjects and names

About the Author :
Scott Aikin is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA. William O. Stephens is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University, USA.

Review :
This book presents itself as an accomplished attempt to vulgarize Ench. and to show its enduring relevance. Aikin and Stephens' Epictetus's Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics is ... a good deal more than only a scholarly translation of the beloved ancient handbook. It could well stand, like its ancient centrepiece, as its own introduction to Stoicism as a philosophical way of life for contemporary readers new to Stoicism, and interested in seriously considering the practical philosophy. 'There are some things that are up to us, others that are not up to us.' This simple yet profound statement begins Epictetus's Encheiridion, the most well-known and most approachable of all Stoic texts. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens have given us a useful, refreshing, modern translation, along with extensive background material and a very thorough commentary on the paradoxes and subtleties of Stoicism, including how it applies to modern life. Both beginners and advanced readers will want to have this excellent volume in their library. Aikin and Stephens are not only experts on Stoicism but also excellent teachers, and it shows. This volume provides an ideal way for students to grasp Stoicism and for teachers to make class discussion lively and productive. Epictetus's Encheiridion is an important Roman Stoic text and ideally suited for those new to Stoicism. This up-to-date translation, with helpful commentary and an accessible introduction, should be useful for anyone beginning the study of Stoicism. This book contains much material of great value for those wishing to get acquainted with Stoicism in general and with Epictetus' thought in particular.