Socrates and the Stoics on Sex - Part Two
Continuing the conversation with ChatGPT about a very ancient topic
Jannik: Let's try to follow the advice of the early Greek Stoics and think of sex as a preferred indifferent. Obviously, there are different kinds of preferred indifferents. Some preferred indifferents are necessary requirements for health or even life itself - such as food, water, exercise. Other preferred indifferents are perhaps not indispensable but nice to have - such as a good reputation and a reasonable amount of financial means. Where does sex belong? Which kind of preferred indifferent is it? In contemporary Western culture a widespread position is that an active sex life is a necessary requirement for a healthy life. A necessary requirement for a healthy life could still qualify as a preferred indifferent from at Stoic point of view - but, obviously, this position could easily lead to think of other people as means to satisfy a need and that is certainly not what the Stoics had in mind. They seem, rather, to think of sex as one way of doing nice things together with someone you like very much - much like playing music or walking in the forest together.
ChatGPT 4.0: In the Stoic perspective, sex can be seen as a preferred indifferent that falls between the two categories you mentioned: the necessary requirements for health or life and the 'nice-to-have' additions that contribute to our well-being.
While an active sex life is not an indispensable requirement for a healthy life, it can provide physical and emotional benefits that contribute to overall well-being. However, it is crucial to remember that the Stoics emphasized the importance of engaging in sexual activity with the right mindset and intentions, such as fostering closeness and bonding between partners, rather than treating others as a means to satisfy personal needs.
Sex, then, can be seen as a preferred indifferent that is beneficial when approached with the right attitude and in the context of a mutually respectful relationship. It can offer emotional, psychological, and physical benefits that can enhance our well-being, but it should not be seen as an essential requirement for happiness or fulfillment.
In this sense, sex can be compared to other preferred indifferents like playing music or walking in the forest together. These activities can bring joy, relaxation, and connection with others, but they are not strictly necessary for a happy or healthy life. By treating sex as a preferred indifferent, we can appreciate its potential benefits without becoming overly attached to it or placing undue importance on it as the sole source of happiness or personal fulfillment.
Jannik: Absolutely brilliant answer! I agree very much.
ChatGPT: Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad that the answer resonated with you. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any topic, please feel free to ask. I'm here to help!
Part one of this post is here:
https://janniklindquist.substack.com/p/socrates-and-the-stoics-on-sex