Chapter 9: Social Psychology and AnthropologyChapter 8: Personality, Agency, and EfficacyPart III: Motivational Psychology
  • Stoicism

    • Stoicism

    &

    Moderate Concept Summary: Stoicism

    ED 304: Ed Psych and Human Development

    Author: Emma Canann

    Validated by: (Cassadie Smith, 1/18/2023) Tegan Ross 1/19/23, Lahna McClaine 1/25/23, Emma James 1/25/23, Macey Mattson 2/1/2023, Emily Walton 2/7/23

    Disclosure: ChatGPT3 was used in the creation of this resource.

    Summary:

    Stoicism is a philosophy that helps us control negative emotions. It can also be described as the ability to endure pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining. It teaches that self-control and detachment from distracting emotions allow one to become a clear thinker, level-headed, and unbiased. Stoicism is not about having no emotions, it's about understanding what is behind those emotions. Also, when you understand what you do not have control over, you are giving yourself more control. Stoicism was founded around 301 BC by a merchant named Zeno. He entered into a philosophical way of life after losing his entire fortune in a shipwreck near Athens. In this old time, stoicism was used therapeutically to treat existing emotional distress.

    There are four virtues of Stoicism which are courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. 

    1. Courage:  Courage in Stoicism encompasses both physical and moral courage. Physical courage involves facing and enduring danger, discomfort, or adversity without succumbing to fear. Moral courage, on the other hand, involves standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of opposition or social pressure. Courage in Stoicism is grounded in the understanding that one's virtue and integrity are more important than external outcomes or opinions.
    2. Temperance: Temperance, also referred to as self-control or moderation, is the virtue of exercising restraint and moderation in one's desires, emotions, and actions. It involves avoiding excessive or extreme behaviors and cultivating balance and self-discipline. Temperance in Stoicism encourages individuals to resist impulsive reactions, overcome destructive desires or habits, and maintain a state of equanimity and inner tranquility. It helps individuals find harmony between their desires and reason, avoiding excessive attachment to external goods or outcomes.
    3. Justice: Justice in Stoicism involves treating others with fairness, equity, and respect. It emphasizes the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals and the importance of acting in a manner that promotes the well-being of the community as a whole. Justice entails behaving ethically, upholding moral principles, and treating others with kindness, compassion, and empathy. It also involves fulfilling one's responsibilities and obligations towards others and society.
    4. Wisdom: Wisdom in Stoicism refers to the cultivation of knowledge, understanding, and insight into the nature of the world and oneself. It involves developing rational thinking, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of what is within one's control and what is not. Wisdom enables individuals to make wise decisions, discern the true nature of events, and respond to challenges and circumstances with clarity and reason.

    Temperance is about doing nothing in excess and finding the right balance. With justice, it is important to do the right thing. Lastly, applying all of these virtues you need wisdom which is the knowledge and experience necessary to have the guidance needed in the world.

    Watch on YouTube


    Teacher Connection:

    Understanding stoicism can be useful for teachers in several ways: 

    • Emotional Regulation: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of managing one's emotions and cultivating emotional resilience. As teachers face various challenges and interact with students who may exhibit different behaviors or difficulties, applying stoic principles can help teachers maintain a calm and composed demeanor. This emotional regulation allows them to respond thoughtfully and effectively to student needs, creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
    • Role Modeling Resilience: Teachers serve as role models for their students, not only academically but also emotionally and morally. By embodying stoic principles, teachers can demonstrate resilience, self-control, and ethical behavior in the face of adversity. This can inspire and motivate students to develop similar traits, fostering their emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and ethical decision-making abilities.
    • Adapting to Change: Stoicism teaches individuals to accept and adapt to circumstances beyond their control. In the field of education, teachers often encounter unexpected changes, such as curriculum updates, administrative decisions, or student disruptions. By embracing the stoic principle of focusing on what is within their control and accepting the rest, teachers can navigate these changes with flexibility, resilience, and a solution-oriented mindset.

    Quiz Questions:

    Which of the following are the central principles of Stoicism? (select all that apply)

    1. The attainment of pleasure
    2. The development of self-control and resilience in the face of adversity
    3. Focusing on things that are within our control and accepting things that are not
    4. The attainment of wealth
    5. The attainment of wealth

    What are some Stoicism beliefs? (select all that apply)

    1. If you are unhappy it is your fault
    2. Indulging in one’s emotions as a means of understanding them
    3. Everything is temporary
    4. Fame and fortune are overrated
    5. That the universe is created and maintained by a personal god

    True or False: According to Stoicism, it is necessary to suppress emotions to achieve inner peace and wisdom.

    1. True
    2. False

    References and further reading:

    Here are two references on Stoicism:

    This content is provided to you freely by BYU-I Books.

    Access it online or download it at https://books.byui.edu/development_motivati/mod_52_stoicismG.