Stoicism

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/stoicism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the philosophical tradition?Hellenistic philosophy, originating in ancient Greece and flourishing in Rome
2. What is the foundational text example?Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' offers personal Stoic reflections
3. What is Stoicism and why is it like being a calm superhero?Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches people to stay calm and strong by focusing on what they can control, like a superhero who keeps their cool no matter what happens.
4. How can I practice the Stoic idea of the "dichotomy of control"?Think about what you can change, like your thoughts and actions, and let go of things you can't change, like the weather or other people's choices.

Logos: The divine reason or universal principle that governs the cosmos in Stoic philosophy.
Indifferents: External things (health, wealth, reputation) that are neither good nor bad in themselves.
Premeditatio Malorum: A Stoic practice of contemplating potential future misfortunes to prepare for them.