Epictetus (55?-135?), Greek philosopher, whose philosophy of Stoicism emphasized
freedom, morality, and humanity. Epictetus was probably born at Hierapolis, Phrygia (now in
Turkey). Although a slave, as a youth he studied the philosophy of Stoicism. His master
subsequently granted him his freedom, and until AD90 Epictetus taught philosophy at Rome.
In that year the Roman emperor Domitian, fearful of the dangers engendered by the teachings
of the Stoics, exiled Epictetus and several other philosophers. Epictetus settled at Nicopolis,
in southern Epirus, where he died. His doctrines have been preserved in two works compiled
by his pupil, the Greek historian and philosopher Arrian: the Encheiridion (Handbook), the
whole of which survives today, and Discourses of Epictetus, of which four of eight books
survive.
According to these works, Epictetus was concerned chiefly with the problem of morality’Äîthat
is, of defining good. He asserted that humans are basically limited and irrational beings, but
that the universe, ruled by God through pure reason, is perfect. Because human beings can
neither know nor control their destiny, they must cease striving for the attainment of worldly
ends and instead calmly accept the fact of their own powerlessness before fate. As a corollary
of this doctrine, Epictetus held that human beings must, because of their own weaknesses, be
tolerant of the faults of others.
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"Epictetus," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000
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