NE 203: Ethics & Moral Reasoning for Naval Leaders
Stoicism
A man said to the universe:“Sir, I exist!”“However,” replied the universe,“The fact has not created in meA sense of obligation.”
This poem, by American realist writer, Stephen Crane, might well have been written by the ancient stoics. There is a certain existentialist angst at play in both. There is the recognition that there are aspirations in the human heart about which the seemingly silent and unobliging universe appears totally indifferent. How do we respond when life does not give us what we most desire? Or, worse, when life breaks our heart?
The ancient stoics were deeply concerned about the connections between virtue, reason, and the emotions. In a world in which so much does not seem within our control, they endorsed self-mastery as a prudent response. The well-formed mind embraces only that which we can control. We let go of everything else.
How does this work? Is this a way to escape from the conditions of life or is it simply escapism? Is it wise or a dereliction of what it means to be a human being? What role does self-mastery--especially self-mastery that leads to emotional and spiritual resilience--play in a military context?
WATCH THIS
Dr Hedahl, "Stoicism"
Complete these questions before you come to class
- Reflect upon your personal experience with respect to Stoic themes and determine how it might
be applied to your future role as a Naval Officer - How does stoicism relate to the four moral factors in making ethical decisions? Does stoicism help or hinder these deliberations? How?
- If justice is about giving to each their due, including due esteem, is stoicism in danger of committing a crime against justice by denying or underplaying the value of fellow human beings? How would a stoic respond to this challenge?
