Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Stoic philosopher from ancient Greece: Epictetus was a Greek philosopher of the Stoic school, born into slavery around 50 AD. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian, focus on ethics, personal freedom through acceptance of fate, and the distinction between what is within our control and what is not.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The philosophy of Epictetus emphasizes controlling one's own judgments and desires.
  • Many modern readers find practical wisdom in the teachings of Epictetus.

Advanced Usage

• Epictetus's Discourses: Refers to the primary written record of his teachings, compiled by his student Arrian.
  • "The Discourses of Epictetus" is a fundamental text for understanding Stoic thought.
• Epictetus's Enchiridion: Refers to a short manual or handbook summarizing his key ethical principles.
  • He carried a copy of the Enchiridion of Epictetus for daily guidance.

Variants and Related Words

• Epictetian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the philosophy of Epictetus.
  • His approach to the problem was quite Epictetian in its focus on acceptance.
• Stoicism (n): The school of Hellenistic philosophy to which Epictetus belonged, teaching virtue and resilience.
• Arrian (n): The full name is Flavius Arrianus, the historian and student who recorded Epictetus's teachings.

Synonyms

• Stoic philosopher: A philosopher belonging to the Stoic school.
• Moralist: A teacher or writer concerned with moral principles (in the context of his ethical focus).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Some things are up to us...": A core concept from Epictetus's teachings about focusing only on what is within one's power (e.g., opinions, desires).
• The dichotomy of control: The philosophical distinction between what is within our control (our judgments, actions) and what is not (external events, reputation).

Noun

1. Greek philosopher who was a Stoic (circa 50-130)