Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Terms
Prohairesis: The Faculty of Choice
Prohairesis is a central concept in Stoic philosophy, referring to the faculty of choice, moral purpose, or rational will. It is the governing part of the self, responsible for judging impressions, assenting to truths, and making decisions. This faculty is considered to be inherently free and within our control, distinguishing it from external circumstances. 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.
What is Prohairesis?
Prohairesis is the faculty within us that allows us to make choices and form judgments. It is the part of our being that determines our actions and reactions to the world around us, and it is always free from external compulsion.
This faculty is unique because it can contemplate itself, meaning it can approve or disapprove of its own operations. This self-awareness is what makes it distinct from other faculties like grammar or music.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
The Sphere of Control
The Stoics teach that some things are within our power, and others are not. Prohairesis governs what is in our power, including our opinions, desires, aversions, and movements towards or away from things.
Conversely, things like our body, property, reputation, and external circumstances are not within our power. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for living a tranquil and unhindered life.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Freedom and Hindrance
The things that are within the domain of prohairesis are by nature free and not subject to restraint or hindrance. This means our choices and judgments are always our own, regardless of external conditions.
If we mistakenly believe that things not in our power are free or our own, we will inevitably experience hindrance, lamentation, and disturbance. This misunderstanding leads to blaming others and ourselves.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Self-Contemplation
Unlike other faculties, prohairesis possesses the unique ability to contemplate itself. It can reflect on its own judgments and choices, allowing for self-correction and moral development.
For example, grammar can judge writing, but it cannot decide whether one should write. Prohairesis, however, can make such a decision, demonstrating its higher-order function.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
The Gift of God
The ability to choose and express ourselves is considered a gift. To deny or undervalue this faculty would be characteristic of an impious or timid person, according to Epictetus.
Just as God has given us eyes for vision, He has also endowed us with the faculty of expression and choice. These gifts are meant to be used skillfully and purposefully.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.23
Cultivating Prohairesis
Cultivating prohairesis involves consistently exercising our judgment to align with nature and reason. This means carefully examining our impressions and assenting only to what is true and good.
By focusing on what is within our power—our opinions, desires, and actions—we strengthen our prohairesis and achieve inner freedom, regardless of external circumstances.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
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.
“Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion (ὑπόληψις), movement towards a thing (ὁρμή), desire, aversion (ἔκκλισις, turning from a thing); and in a word, whatever are our own acts: not in our power are the body, property, reputation, offices (magisterial power), and in a word, whatever are not our own acts.”
“Of all the faculties (except that which I shall soon mention), you will find not one which is capable of contemplating itself, and, consequently, not capable either of approving or disapproving.”
“Has then God given you eyes to no purpose? and to no purpose has he infused into them a spirit so strong and of such skillful contrivance as to reach a long way and to fashion the forms of things which are seen?”
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary function of prohairesis?
The primary function of prohairesis is to judge, assent, refuse, and choose. It is the governing faculty that determines our opinions, desires, and actions, making it central to our moral agency.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How does prohairesis relate to what is 'in our power'?
Prohairesis encompasses everything that is truly in our power: our opinions, desires, aversions, and movements. It is the faculty through which we exercise control over our inner world, independent of external factors.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Can prohairesis be hindered by external events?
No, prohairesis itself cannot be hindered by external events. It is by nature free and not subject to restraint. Only when we mistakenly attach our will to things not in our power do we experience hindrance.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
What makes prohairesis unique among human faculties?
Prohairesis is unique because it can contemplate itself, meaning it can approve or disapprove of its own operations. This self-awareness allows for moral reflection and the development of a virtuous character.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Continue with Ask Stoics
Bring one of these source-grounded questions into the app:
- How can I better distinguish between what is in my power and what is not?
- What practices can help me strengthen my faculty of choice?
- How does understanding prohairesis help me respond to difficult situations?
- Can you give me examples of opinions, desires, and aversions that are within my prohairesis?