Epictetus's 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics

The Encheiridion of Epictetus is a comprehensive guide to understanding a complex philosophical text, providing a new translation, introduction, treatment of Stoic paradoxes, overview of origin and historical context, detailed commentaries, and discussion of criticisms and replies. It is written with clarity and authority and will aid teachers, students, and readers seeking a greater understanding of Stoic ethics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Encheiridion of Epictetus is a comprehensive guide to understanding a complex philosophical text. It includes a full translation and clear explanatory commentaries, introducing readers to a hugely influential work of Stoic philosophy. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens unravel the core themes of Stoic ethics found within this ancient handbook, focusing on self-control, seeing things as they are, living according to nature, owning ones roles and fulfilling the responsibilities that those roles entail. The book is divided into five distinct parts, providing readers with a new translation of the Encheiridion by William O. Stephens, a new introduction to ancient Stoicism, its system of concepts, and the ancient figures who shaped it. It also provides a fresh treatment of the notorious and counter-intuitive 'Stoic paradoxes', an accessible overview of the origin and historical context of the Encheiridion, detailed commentaries on each chapter of the Encheiridion that clarify its recurring themes and highlight their interconnections, careful attention to the presentation of the arguments embedded in Epictetuss aphoristic style, and a thoughtful discussion of serious criticisms of Epictetuss Stoicism and replies to these objections. Written with clarity and authority, Epictetuss Encheiridion provides a foundation from which readers can understand this important text and engage with the fundamental questions of Stoic philosophy and ethics. This guide will aid teachers of Epictetus, students encountering Stoicism for the first time, and readers seeking a greater understanding of the Encheiridion.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350009516