Final answer:
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy emphasizing material rationality and the pursuit of virtue through wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Contemporary Stoicism, especially as formulated by Lawrence Becker, revises traditional Stoicism to align with modern materialism and proactive social engagement. It champions self-control, rationality, and ethical living consistent with nature's laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essential aspects of Stoicism in physics, metaphysics, and epistemology involve the belief that the universe is material and follows natural laws, where everything that exists is part of a divine, organic, and rationally ordered cosmos. The Stoic philosophy contends that knowledge can be attained through the internal consistency of perception and reason, aligning with a form of material rationality. Among the virtues upheld by Stoicism are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, which are seen as the pathways to living in accordance with nature and achieving eudaimonia (a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous).
In terms of contemporary Stoicism as articulated by Lawrence Becker, modifications have been made to better align with modern materialism. Becker's revisions account for advancements in science and philosophy, proposing a more dynamic and less passive Stoicism, which is compatible with contemporary understandings of ethics and natural science. This new adaptation emphasizes the importance of contributions to society and engagement with contemporary issues, rather than withdrawal from them.
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. The philosophy asserts that the only true good is virtue and encourages practitioners to focus on their own virtue and self-improvement.