Stoicism - a philosophy or a religion?
Addendum to a previous conversation with ChatGPT
It occurred to me that I forgot to ask ChatGPT a very obvious question in the conversation I had with it yesterday about Seneca's discussion of precepts and principles. In my opinion, ChatGPT gives a remarkably subtle and nuanced answer here - and it certainly doesn’t just say what it assumes that I would like to hear!
Jannik: Do you agree that the fact that Stoicism sees it as a goal for all followers of Stoicism to move all the way from precepts given by external authorities to principles based on full, internal knowledge means that Stoicism is not accurately described as a religion?
ChatGPT 4.0: The characterization of Stoicism as either a philosophy or a religion hinges on definitions and interpretations of both terms, as well as the broader context of ancient practices and modern understandings. Stoicism, founded in the early 3rd century BCE by Zeno of Citium, is primarily considered a school of Hellenistic philosophy. It emphasizes virtue as the highest good, in accordance with reason and nature, and teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to achieve emotional well-being and wisdom.
The goal for followers of Stoicism to move from adhering to precepts given by external authorities to embracing principles based on full, internal knowledge underscores its nature as a philosophy focused on personal ethical development and rational understanding of the world. This process emphasizes critical thinking, self-reflection, and personal growth, hallmarks of philosophical inquiry rather than religious dogma.
However, Stoicism does incorporate elements that could be seen as religious or spiritual, such as the concept of living in accordance with nature, which encompasses the universe's rational order (logos), and a sense of interconnectedness with the cosmos. Stoics often express a reverence for nature and the universe that can parallel religious or spiritual sentiment. Additionally, the Stoic practice of accepting events as part of a divine plan could also be seen in a religious light.
That said, the distinction between philosophy and religion is not always clear-cut, and many philosophical systems, including Stoicism, share features with religions, such as ethical guidelines, practices aimed at improving the individual's way of living, and a community of practitioners. However, Stoicism lacks the formal worship, rituals, and theology central to many religions.
In conclusion, while Stoicism emphasizes personal responsibility for moral and intellectual development in a manner more akin to philosophical inquiry than religious doctrine, it also embraces a reverence for the natural world and a belief in living in harmony with a universal order, which can be interpreted through a more spiritual lens. Therefore, Stoicism is more accurately described as a philosophy, but like many philosophical systems, it has dimensions that resonate with religious or spiritual practices.
The following quote from Seneca is highly relevant here. In my opinion, he clearly acknowledges here that Stoicism shares very important characteristica with religion.
”Just as the more sacred elements of a religion are known only to initiates, so in philosophy the inmost parts are revealed only to those who have been fully admitted and received into its mysteries. But precepts and the like are also shared with outsiders.”
- Seneca, Letters 95.64
Many thanks for sharing, dear Jannik.✍️👏