10 February 2018 | Kai Whiting, Leonidas Konstantakos, Angeles Carrasco, Luis Gabriel Carmona
The article explores the intersection of sustainable development, wellbeing, and material consumption through the lens of Stoic philosophy. It argues that while neoclassical economic theory and utilitarianism have dominated discussions on wellbeing and growth, they have led to environmental degradation and social inequity. In contrast, Stoic philosophy, rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizes eudaimonia—flourishing through virtue, not pleasure. The Stoics view virtue as the only true path to happiness, and it is intrinsically linked to sustainable wellbeing. They advocate for prudence, self-control, courage, and justice as the core virtues that enable individuals and societies to flourish without the need for endless growth.
The paper evaluates the applicability of Stoic principles to modern challenges in sustainable development, particularly in relation to material services. It highlights the limitations of current economic models that prioritize growth and material accumulation, which often ignore the environmental and social costs. Stoicism, however, offers a framework that values virtue and the well-being of all, including non-human elements of nature. The Stoic concept of oikeiōsis, or affinity, suggests that humans are part of a larger whole, and that actions should be guided by a sense of responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
The article also discusses the Stoic idea of cosmopolitanism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all human beings and the need for collective action towards a virtuous society. This is illustrated through the metaphor of Hierocles’ concentric circles, where the self is at the center and extends outward to include others and the natural world. The Stoic vision of a sustainable future is one where individuals and societies act in accordance with virtue, recognizing the limits of the physical world and the importance of balancing present needs with those of future generations.
In conclusion, the article argues that Stoic philosophy provides a valuable alternative to current economic and environmental paradigms. By focusing on virtue, the Stoic perspective offers a pathway to sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of all, rather than the pursuit of endless growth and material wealth.The article explores the intersection of sustainable development, wellbeing, and material consumption through the lens of Stoic philosophy. It argues that while neoclassical economic theory and utilitarianism have dominated discussions on wellbeing and growth, they have led to environmental degradation and social inequity. In contrast, Stoic philosophy, rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizes eudaimonia—flourishing through virtue, not pleasure. The Stoics view virtue as the only true path to happiness, and it is intrinsically linked to sustainable wellbeing. They advocate for prudence, self-control, courage, and justice as the core virtues that enable individuals and societies to flourish without the need for endless growth.
The paper evaluates the applicability of Stoic principles to modern challenges in sustainable development, particularly in relation to material services. It highlights the limitations of current economic models that prioritize growth and material accumulation, which often ignore the environmental and social costs. Stoicism, however, offers a framework that values virtue and the well-being of all, including non-human elements of nature. The Stoic concept of oikeiōsis, or affinity, suggests that humans are part of a larger whole, and that actions should be guided by a sense of responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
The article also discusses the Stoic idea of cosmopolitanism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all human beings and the need for collective action towards a virtuous society. This is illustrated through the metaphor of Hierocles’ concentric circles, where the self is at the center and extends outward to include others and the natural world. The Stoic vision of a sustainable future is one where individuals and societies act in accordance with virtue, recognizing the limits of the physical world and the importance of balancing present needs with those of future generations.
In conclusion, the article argues that Stoic philosophy provides a valuable alternative to current economic and environmental paradigms. By focusing on virtue, the Stoic perspective offers a pathway to sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of all, rather than the pursuit of endless growth and material wealth.