Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Study Paths
A Study Path for Training Justice
This study path explores the Stoic approach to justice, focusing on understanding our roles, responding to criticism, fostering fellowship, and discerning the right action owed to others. It delves into the nature of duty and how to apply Stoic principles in our interactions with the world and its inhabitants. By examining these concepts, we can cultivate a more just and virtuous life. Ask Stoics filters its AI guide to cited source passages and is not impersonating the historical author.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
The Nature of Duty
Stoic philosophy considers duty as an action that is rightly begun, even if the outcome is not entirely within our control. It is about the intention and the proper initiation of an act.
When an action is rightly done, such as restoring a justly deposited item, it is considered a duty. The emphasis is on the correctness of the action itself, not merely its completion.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18
Distinguishing Right Action from Neutral Things
While duty is rightly begun, the wise person understands that some things are neutral, neither good nor bad in themselves. These are external circumstances or outcomes.
The wise person acts with duty, but recognizes that the results of these actions, like money or reputation, are not inherently good or evil. They are indifferent things.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18; Epictetus, Discourses 2.16
The Role of the Will in Justice
The Stoics locate good and evil within the will, emphasizing that our internal choices and intentions are paramount. Justice, therefore, stems from a rightly ordered will.
If we have not practiced discerning what is truly good or evil, we may remain unchanged in our understanding of justice. Consistent study and practice are essential.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.16
External Preferences and True Value
Some things are preferred for their own sake, like a certain appearance, while others are preferred because they produce something, like money. These are external preferences.
However, Stoics like Chrysippus and Diogenes questioned the utility of good reputation, suggesting that external preferences do not hold true value in themselves for the wise.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.17
Applying Stoic Principles to Interpersonal Relations
Understanding duty means recognizing what is owed to others in a just manner. This involves acting rightly in our interactions, even when external outcomes are uncertain.
The practice of justice requires us to consider our actions and judgments carefully, ensuring they align with what is rightly begun and rightly done, regardless of external opinion.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18; Cicero, On Ends 3.17
The Importance of Consistent Practice
Just as we study to answer questions, we must also practice applying Stoic principles to real-life situations to improve our understanding and execution of justice.
Without consistent effort and study in these areas, our ability to act justly and discern right from wrong may not develop, leaving us unchanged in our moral progress.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.16
Practice sequence
Follow these exercises in order. Open any practice to preview its purpose and primary-source anchor before beginning.
- 1Values Clarification
Compare what you desire with the qualities you admire.
- 2Making All People Your Teachers
Remove the sting from criticism and examine what is useful.
- 3Contemplating the Sage
Rehearse the conduct of someone whose character you admire.
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“For since we see that there is something which we pronounce to have been rightly done (for that is duty when accomplished), there must also be something which is rightly begun: as, if to restore what has been justly deposited belongs to the class of right actions, then it must be classed among the duties to restore a deposit; and the addition of the word “justly” makes the duty to be rightly performed: but the mere fact of restoring is classed as…”
“Where is the good? In the will. Where is the evil? In the will. Where is neither of them? In those things which are independent of the will.”
“But respecting good reputation, (for what they call εὐδοξία is more properly called, in this place, good reputation than glory,) Chrysippus and Diogenes denied its whole utility, and used to say…”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stoic view of duty?
Duty, for Stoics, is an action that is rightly begun. It is about the proper initiation of an act, such as restoring a justly deposited item, rather than merely its completion.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18
How do Stoics distinguish between good, evil, and neutral things?
Good and evil reside in the will, in our choices and intentions. Neutral things are those independent of our will, such as money or reputation, which are neither inherently good nor bad.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.16
Why is consistent practice important for understanding justice?
Consistent practice is crucial because without it, we may not improve our ability to discern right from wrong or apply Stoic principles to real-life situations, remaining unchanged in our moral development.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.16
Do Stoics value good reputation?
Chrysippus and Diogenes, prominent Stoics, denied the utility of good reputation. They considered it an external preference, not a true good, as it is independent of the will.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.17
Continue with Ask Stoics
Bring one of these source-grounded questions into the app:
- How can I identify my duties in a complex situation?
- What is the difference between a 'rightly begun' action and a 'rightly done' action?
- How can I practice discerning what is truly good or evil in my daily life?
- What Stoic practices can help me act more justly towards others?