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Description
In this thesis, I will be discussing the similarities between Stoicism (as both an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, as well as how it is interpreted in the modern age) and modern therapeutic methods; However, I will not be developing any type of novel theory as to how Stoicism can be used as one of those therapeutic methods by itself. That would require a degree of psychological and medical knowledge that I, as an undergraduate student, do not yet possess and do not have the authority to expand upon in a safe manner. What the goal of this thesis is, instead, is to draw and explore parallels between the ideals and principles of stoicism (such as eudaimonia, ethics, and relative asceticism) as compared to modern therapeutic techniques, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavioral therapies. I will draw direct parallels between Stoic philosophy and the therapeutic treatments commonly used to address the symptoms of two psychiatric issues (Bipolar Mood Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). I will also be addressing a third psychiatric case study, as relating to Stoic philosophy - suicide, and how our view of it has changed and progressed,both through a Stoic lens as well as from a contemporary psychological viewpoint.
As a result of drawing these parallels, this thesis will also explore some of the more modern uses of Stoicism - for example, those discussed in A Guide To The Good Life by William B Irvine, and Stoic Warriors by Nancy Sherman. Irvine focuses primarily on the use of Stoicism to avoid the factors of“chronic dissatisfaction” that afflict much of our modern-day lives - an absence of control, unhappiness, and erroneous personal values, to name a few. Sherman takes a more targeted approach - the application of Stoic philosophy to the workings of the military mentality and instinct. Sherman explores how being “Stoic” is taught as a part of military bearing, specifically when serving in the American forces. Stoic values are used to create a culture of discipline and self-control in the military - as Sherman puts it, “The idea that one’s happiness could depend solely on one’s own virtue, and that one’s agency and control might be bulletproof, appealed to [them]” (Sherman, 11). These authors’ perspectives are just two examples of how Stoicism can be applied in the modern age, as will be shown in further detail in subsequent sections.
As a result of drawing these parallels, this thesis will also explore some of the more modern uses of Stoicism - for example, those discussed in A Guide To The Good Life by William B Irvine, and Stoic Warriors by Nancy Sherman. Irvine focuses primarily on the use of Stoicism to avoid the factors of“chronic dissatisfaction” that afflict much of our modern-day lives - an absence of control, unhappiness, and erroneous personal values, to name a few. Sherman takes a more targeted approach - the application of Stoic philosophy to the workings of the military mentality and instinct. Sherman explores how being “Stoic” is taught as a part of military bearing, specifically when serving in the American forces. Stoic values are used to create a culture of discipline and self-control in the military - as Sherman puts it, “The idea that one’s happiness could depend solely on one’s own virtue, and that one’s agency and control might be bulletproof, appealed to [them]” (Sherman, 11). These authors’ perspectives are just two examples of how Stoicism can be applied in the modern age, as will be shown in further detail in subsequent sections.
ContributorsSimpson, Naomi (Author) / Lynch, John (Thesis director) / O'Neill, Joseph (Committee member) / School of Music (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
This paper looks to examine the person of Boethius in order to illuminate his position as an instrumental influence, a “bridge”, between Greek and Roman sources and posterity, in particular, the Scholastics of the late medieval period. To do this it follows a three part arrangement: Part 1 offers biographical information regarding Boethius so as to familiarize the reader into his person and achievements. Part II examines historical evidence and connections that examine Boethius’s influences and influencers so as to show why he was so important to those who followed him. The third, and last part, is my attempt at a commentary of Boethius’s Consolation in an effort to revive this traditional method so prevalent in Boethius’s time. The paper is then concluded emphasizing the merits of Boethius and what this work aimed to achieve.
ContributorsZazueta, Derek A. (Author) / O'Neill, Joseph (Thesis director) / Rigoni, Adam (Committee member) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Post-truth has become a household word since the start of 2016. Post-truth is the concept that facts are becoming less useful towards swaying popular opinion. Post-truth is based off the ideation that the truth is laced in the metaphysical, which means that facts are independent of the human mind. Post-truth states two methods in which we derive truth: one is an objective truth, or a statement based on scientific and statistical analysis; the other is or a subjective truth, or a statement based on a feeling or value. Objective truth and subjective truth are interpretations of the “truth”: where objective truths use objective methods, such as research and statistics, and subjective truths use subjective methods, such as emotions or values. Further interpretations of post-truth interpret post-truth being a struggle between the objective truth and the subjective truth, and that objective truths are the correct interpretation of the truth. However, the current interpretation of post-truth becomes problematic. The case studies presented show that something that could be considered a subjective truth is grounded in reality, even though it is objectively wrong. There are instances where statistical analysis fails in its goals to represent reality in both war and science. There are also instances where capitalizing on the strongest emotional aspect of an issue creates a better understanding of that issue. The objective and subjective truths may not conflict with each other, in fact they may inform each other. The thesis concludes that a different interpretation of truth should be used to understand post-truth.
ContributorsSora, Nicholas (Author) / Fette, Donald (Thesis director) / O'Neill, Joseph (Committee member) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05