The Pillar of Stoic Ethics - Philosophical Background to Stoic Ethics

Stoic Ethics, Session I — The Philosophical Foundations
Reading: Brennan, The Stoic Life, Chapters 3–4

Our next gathering marks the beginning of a new phase in our journey—one that shifts our attention from logic to ethics, the heart of how Stoicism teaches us to live. This time, we’ll be exploring The Stoic Life by philosopher Tad Brennan, starting with Chapters 3 and 4, which lay the philosophical groundwork for everything that follows.

These chapters introduce two major concepts: Eudaimonism and Naturalism. We’ll ask ourselves what it really means to live well, not just comfortably, but excellently. The ancient Greeks believed happiness (or eudaimonia) wasn’t something you stumbled into, but something you cultivated through virtue. The Stoics, more radically, insisted that virtue alone is sufficient for happiness. That’s a bold claim—one we’ll examine together.
We’ll also unpack what it means to "live according to nature." For the Stoics, this wasn’t about hugging trees—it meant aligning your choices with the deeper design of human nature: rationality, social duty, and self-mastery. These aren’t abstract ideals—they’re touchstones we can use to navigate modern life with more clarity and intention.
This session will be focused on understanding. No exercises or group challenges, just a thoughtful, open discussion of the ideas. As always, newcomers are warmly welcome. You don’t need a philosophy degree or background in Stoicism to participate, just an open mind and willingness to reflect.
We’ll be reading Chapters 3 and 4 beforehand so you can engage fully in the conversation.

You can download a free copy of the book here:
📥 studentsofstoicism.com/online-resources
Or, if you prefer to read in print:
📖 The Stoic Life on Amazon
If you’re new to Stoicism, or just want a refresher on the philosophical foundations, visit:
📚 About the Pillars of Stoicism
📘 Glossary of Stoic Terms ("Flossary")

We hope you’ll join us as we begin to grapple with what it really means to live a good life, not by accident, but by choice.

Warmly,
– Students of Stoicism