Epictetus
Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher of the late 1st and early 2nd centuries CE.
Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher of the late 1st and early 2nd centuries CE. Born into slavery in Hierapolis in Phrygia, he later taught in Rome and Nicopolis; his teachings were recorded by his pupil Arrian, especially in the Discourses and the Enchiridion.
Life
Epictetus was born around 50 CE in Hierapolis in Phrygia and spent part of his early life in slavery. He later taught in Rome and, after banishment, in Nicopolis, where he remained until his death around 135 CE.
Philosophy
Epictetus is one of the best-known Stoic philosophers and argued that moral freedom comes from focusing on what lies within one’s power. His teaching stresses virtue, self-discipline, and accepting external events calmly.
Works and transmission
Epictetus did not leave any known writings of his own. His ideas are preserved mainly in Arrian’s Discourses and Enchiridion, which record his lectures and teachings.
Influence
Epictetus became a major figure in Stoic thought because of the practical and disciplined character of his ethics. His ideas have remained influential in later philosophy and self-help writing, especially on resilience and control. Epictetus is widely studied in Canadian philosophy courses and has influenced modern Canadian readers interested in Stoicism, ethics, and resilience.
Key facts
- Epictetus was born enslaved and later became a philosopher and teacher.
- He is associated with Stoic ethics, especially the distinction between what is and is not in one’s control.
- No writings by Epictetus himself are known; his teachings survive through Arrian’s notes.
- He taught in Rome before being banished and then settled in Nicopolis in northwestern Greece.
- His philosophy emphasizes virtue, self-mastery, and correct use of impressions.
Epictetus is widely studied in Canadian philosophy courses and has influenced modern Canadian readers interested in Stoicism, ethics, and resilience.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EpictetusSupports: Birthplace, approximate dates, slavery, teaching in Rome and Nicopolis, and that no writings by Epictetus are known.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epictetus/Supports: Biographical period, Stoic ethics, focus on volition and impressions, and significance as a Stoic teacher.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/philosophy-biographies/epictetusSupports: Overview of his philosophy, lack of surviving writings, and Arrian’s Discourses and Manual.
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy — https://iep.utm.edu/epictetu/Supports: Practical moral purpose of Epictetus’s philosophy and emphasis on living well through virtue.
- Dickinson College — https://dcc.dickinson.edu/epictetus-encheiridion/intro/philosophy-of-epictetusSupports: Key Stoic distinction between what is in our control and what is not.
- World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Epictetus/Supports: Teaching career, banishment from Rome, Nicopolis, and the role of Arrian in preserving his thought.