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Final Thesis Dec 2018 Department of Classics Royal Holloway University of London Epictetus on Human Suffering (Ταράσσει τοὺς ἀνθρώπους οὐ τὰ πράγματα, ἀλλὰ τὰ περὶ τῶν πραγμάτων δόγματα) By Edward James Humphreys Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD THESIS December 2018 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 1 of 223 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 2 of 223 Declaration of Authorship I, Edward James Humphreys, hereby declare that this thesis and the work presented in it is entirely my own. Where I have consulted the work of others, this is always clearly stated. Signed: Date: 23rd December 2018 © copyright by Edward James Humphreys 2011-2018. All Rights Reserved Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 3 of 223 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 4 of 223 Abstract This thesis considers Epictetus’ response to human suffering with regard to its broader meaning. This encompasses not only what Buddhism refers to as ordinary suffering, but also what they call suffering caused by change and by the conditioned mind, all of which manifest at different levels of consciousness, in different forms and from the very gross to the very subtle. In considering Epictetus’ response we shall consider suffering as a universally occurring and unending dissatisfaction with life - a ‘dis-ease’ that exists as part of our human condition and formative learning experience of life. This thesis takes a fresh look at Epictetus by reframing his thinking and response to suffering. First, the Buddhist model known as the Four Noble Truths (cattāri ariyasaccāni) is used as a systematic basis for discussing Epictetus. Reframing Epictetus with respect to the Four Noble Truths provides us in our daily lives with the opportunity for reflection and contemplation on what suffering is: insight, understanding and knowing the causes of our suffering, together with recognising that there is a way out of our suffering and a path of reflective exercise, practice and training to cease our suffering. Secondly our investigation into Epictetus and suffering involves consideration of the language of suffering, in particular the role of different aspects of language used in Epictetus, and how, through the use of language, experience and knowing of suffering comes about, and how such language becomes a tool for philosophical inquiry into that suffering. Thirdly our investigation looks at the pathological aspects of suffering and the language of moral choice. Throughout this thesis I maintain Epictetus’ claim that to be educated is to discover the truth about our suffering and the ethical imperative of being liberated from that suffering. This thesis is an original contribution to the current body of knowledge and understanding concerning human suffering and the human condition in the context of Epictetus. I shall, in this thesis, argue the case that re-casting his teaching contributes a fresh interpretation of his extant works in the broader context of human suffering. Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 5 of 223 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 6 of 223 Acknowledgements Grateful acknowledgement and appreciation is given to Professor Anne Sheppard (Professor Emerita of Ancient Philosophy RHUL) for her generous help, guidance and tireless support during this journey of research. Thanks are also given to Professor Jonathan Powell (RHUL) and Dr. Richard Hawley (RHUL) for their support and helpful comments during annual research appraisals and reviews. Thanks also go to my Buddhist teacher, Dhyana Master Trung Quang Nhat Hanh (also known as Thich Nhat Hanh) for his Buddhist guidance, instruction and moral practice for the last 11 years. Finally thanks go to my family: mother and father (Alice and Thomas Humphreys - deceased), my three sons (Alexander, Thomas and James Humphreys) and their partners and children, and last but not least my wife Angela Humphreys for her enduring support. Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 7 of 223 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 8 of 223 Contents Declaration of Authorship ................................................................................................ 3 Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 5 Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... 7 Contents .......................................................................................................................... 9 Figures And Tables ......................................................................................................... 12 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................. 13 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 15 CHAPTER 1 TRUTHS AND LANGUAGE OF HUMAN SUFFERING ................................... 23 1.1 Prologue ................................................................................................................... 23 1.2 Four Noble Truths ..................................................................................................... 26 1.2.1 Spiritual Path ............................................................................................... 26 1.2.2 The Truths and Metaphysics ......................................................................... 27 1.2.3 Self/Non-Self ............................................................................................... 29 1.3 Theory, Practice and Realisation ............................................................................... 31 1.3.1 Exercise and Practice ................................................................................... 31 1.3.2 Philosophical Exercises of Epictetus ............................................................... 33 1.3.3 Exercises of Epictetus and Buddhism ............................................................. 35 1.4 Epictetus’ Surgery ..................................................................................................... 36 1.5 Language and Suffering ............................................................................................ 39 1.5.1 Role of Language .......................................................................................... 39 1.5.2 Language and Human Existence) .................................................................. 40 1.5.3 Inner Conversations ) ................................................................................... 41 1.5.4 Words and Thoughts of Epictetus .................................................................. 42 1.6 Stoic Language, Logic and Categories ...................................................................... 44 1.6.1 Language and Logic ..................................................................................... 44 1.6.2 Lekta ........................................................................................................... 45 1.6.3 Categories .................................................................................................... 46 1.6.4 Focus on Passive/Active Interplay ................................................................. 47 1.7 Buddhist Language and Logic ................................................................................... 47 1.7.1 Common Areas of Interest ............................................................................. 47 1.7.2 Aggregates and Sankhara) ............................................................................ 47 1.7.3 Aggregates, Sankhara and Epictetus ............................................................. 49 Epilogue to Chapter 1 ..................................................................................................... 50 CHAPTER 2 EPICTETUS AND THE FIRST NOBLE TRUTH .............................................. 51 2.1 Prologue ................................................................................................................... 51 2.2 Truth of Suffering ..................................................................................................... 52 2.2.1 Nature of Dukkha ....................................................................................... 52 2.2.2 Awake to the Understanding and Insight into Dukkha ................................... 54 2.2.3 Types of Suffering ........................................................................................ 56 2.3 Pathological Elements, Conditions and Relationships ............................................... 68 2.3.1 Disease ........................................................................................................ 68 2.3.2 Disposition, Habits and Hexis ........................................................................ 72 Epictetus on Human Suffering Edward James Humphreys Page 9 of 223 2.4 Pursuing the Good and Avoiding Evil ....................................................................... 86 2.4.1 The Good and The Wholesome) .................................................................... 86 2.4.2 Stoic Pathē .................................................................................................. 87 2.4.3 Content-Free Passions .................................................................................
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