[Reading Group] Ariston of Chios and the Sage as Actor

Last month, we explored the concept of role ethics, which is a major way practicing Stoics can determine appropriate actions. While our focus so far has been on Panaetius's and Epictetus's versions of role ethics, the idea may have had early roots in the Early Stoa.

The heterodox Stoic Ariston of Chios rejected Zeno's innovation of preferred and dispreferred indifferents. Furthermore, he suggested that virtue is instantiated by the ability to play any role equally well.

At this meetup, we'll explore Ariston's version of role ethics, and how it ties in with Stoic indifference. To prepare, please read Brian Marrin's paper: Ariston of Chios and the Sage as Actor: On the Stoic Concept of Persona. You can download a draft version for free here. Also come prepared with any questions or comments concerning the reading.

We'll be assuming you did the reading at this meetup, so if you didn't, it's likely you'll be left behind!