Back to Library

Essential Stoic Concepts

Stoa

Reason

Essential Stoic Concepts - Reason

Book Subtitle: A Stoic glossary

Book Description: These are the most important concepts in Stoic philosophy.

Chapter: 26 of 32

Sections: 1

Author: Stoa

Both the rational guiding principle that governs the universe and the human ability to reflect on our impressions and beliefs.

Since god is a material and intelligent thing throughout the universe, the universe is thought to contain reason.

Reason, however, comes in different forms.

The reason contained in a rock is different from a dog, which is still less refined than a human.

Humans have the highest form of reason, the ability to be self-reflective.

This is why Epictetus says we have a piece of the divine within us.

Greek: Logos λόγος.