Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus

William O. Stephens is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University. His books include Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics (2023), Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed (2012), Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom (2007), and The Person: Readings in Human Nature (2006).

“Adolf Friedrich Bonhöffer’s The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus is a foundational text for the modern understanding of Epictetus, instrumental in retrieving his work from its dismissals as a later ancient falling away from the rigors of the early Stoa, and indeed as a key source for our understandings of the Stoic school. Via Pierre Hadot’s work, Bonhöffer’s work also exerts an indirect influence over the contemporary revival of Stoicism as a way of life around the world. This text, carefully translated by William O. Stephens, is an essential text for any student of Stoicism today.”—Matthew Sharpe, Deakin University (Australia)

• C. Ritter’s Biography of A. Bonhöffer – An Overview of Scholarship on Epictetus 2000−2020 – References – Acknowledgments – Select Abbreviations – Bonhöffer’s Foreword – Bonhöffer’s Table of Contents – The Foundation of Moral Obligation – The Highest Good or the End (Telos) – Desire According to Nature or the Rational Outlook on Life – Action According to Nature or the Correct Fulfillment of Duty – Judgment According to Nature (Intellectual Development of the Mind) – The Moral Predisposition – Sin – Moral Progress and Perfection – Concluding Consideration – Appendix – The Stoic Telos Formulae – The Stoic Doctrine of Suicide – The καθῆκον and κατόρθωμα – The Views of the Stoics on Acquisition – Stoic Pantheism – Greek Subject Index – Index of Names – List of Authors Cited.