The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus: An English Translation, Revised Edition(2 Revisioning Philosophy)

This text remains the only English translation of Bonhöffer’s classic, definitive examination of Epictetus’s ethics. Thorough, knowledgeable, perceptive, and accessible, the unity of this book and its thematic presentation make it an invaluable resource for both scholars and general readers eager to apply Stoic thinking in their daily lives. The translation is crisp, clear, consistent, and very readable. Careful attention to the details and nuances of the German as well as the Greek of Epictetus make this an excellent achievement. This new edition includes a useful biography of Bonhöffer, a new overview of the last twenty years of scholarship on Epictetus, and an extensive bibliography. It is essential reading for students taking courses on ancient Hellenistic or Roman philosophy, their instructors, and any non-academics who want to learn Stoicism.

Table of Contents:
C. Ritter’s Biography of A. Bonhöffer – An Overview of Scholarship on Epictetus 2000−2020 – References – Acknowledgments – Select Abbreviations – Bonhöffer’s Foreword – Bonhöffer’s Table of Contents – The Foundation of Moral Obligation – The Highest Good or the End (Telos) – Desire According to Nature or the Rational Outlook on Life – Action According to Nature or the Correct Fulfillment of Duty – Judgment According to Nature (Intellectual Development of the Mind) – The Moral Predisposition – Sin – Moral Progress and Perfection – Concluding Consideration – Appendix – The Stoic Telos Formulae – The Stoic Doctrine of Suicide – The καθῆκον and κατόρθωμα – The Views of the Stoics on Acquisition – Stoic Pantheism – Greek Subject Index – Index of Names – List of Authors Cited.

About the Author :
William O. Stephens is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University. His books include Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics (2023), Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed (2012), Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom (2007), and The Person: Readings in Human Nature (2006).

Review :
“Adolf Friedrich Bonhöffer’s The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus is a foundational text for the modern understanding of Epictetus, instrumental in retrieving his work from its dismissals as a later ancient falling away from the rigors of the early Stoa, and indeed as a key source for our understandings of the Stoic school. Via Pierre Hadot’s work, Bonhöffer’s work also exerts an indirect influence over the contemporary revival of Stoicism as a way of life around the world. This text, carefully translated by William O. Stephens, is an essential text for any student of Stoicism today.”—Matthew Sharpe, Deakin University (Australia) “Bonhöffer’s Die Ethik des stoikers Epictet, published in 1894, is still absolutely essential reading. There is no corner of Epictetus’s thought that he leaves unexplored. William O. Stephens’s translation of the book could not be bettered: with a fluent pen, he preserves the clarity and readability of the original. Everyone interested in Epictetus, from professional scholars to Modern Stoics, is in his debt for having made the book more widely available.”—Robin Waterfield, translator of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus “If there were a Bible of studies on Epictetus, it would certainly have to be Bonhöffer’s The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus. Bonhöffer’s understanding of Epictetus is deep. Even today, as more and more research is being produced on Epictetus, it always pays dividends to look back to Bonhöffer’s foundational study. For this reason, the translation by William O. Stephens is extremely welcome and it belongs on the shelf of every scholar working on Stoicism.”—Brian E. Johnson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Fordham University