⊢ Stoic Glossary: Ethics & Action
Stoic ethics is not a moral checklist – it’s the science of action. This category gathers concepts for living in harmony with the logos – practical, clear, demanding.
Why It Matters:
- Because good isn’t something to ponder – it’s something to do.
- Because freedom without responsibility is just self-deception.
- Because every decision is a testament to your character.
What You’ll Discover:
Terms that enable ethical action, purposeful direction, and virtue-based decision-making. No pious appeals – just stoic navigation tools.
“To act is to set your values in motion.”
Glossary · Ethics & Action – Part 1
Kathēkon (also: Kathekon · Greek καθῆκον – “the appropriate”)
Brief Definition: Action aligned with reason and duty.
Stoic Relevance: The foundation of all moral behavior in daily life.
Application Note: Crucial for lifestyle, decision-making, and fulfilling obligations.
“What is appropriate is always possible.”
Telos (also: Telos · Greek τέλος – “goal, ultimate purpose”)
Brief Definition: The highest aim in life – often interpreted as virtue or happiness.
Stoic Relevance: Orientation toward the telos gives all action its direction.
Application Note: Central in ethics, self-realization, and wisdom teaching.
“Those who know their goal remain unwavering.”
Praxis (also: Praxis · Greek πρᾶξις – “lived action”)
Brief Definition: Practical application of philosophy in daily life.
Stoic Relevance: Theory without practice is self-deception.
Application Note: A model for education, ethics, and discipline.
“Knowledge is worthless unless it takes form.”
Skopós (also: Skopos · Greek σκοπός – “goal, orientation in life”)
Brief Definition: The personally chosen aim within the ethical whole.
Stoic Relevance: The skopos guides daily actions toward the telos.
Application Note: Useful for reflecting on motivation, life plans, and priorities.
“Where you look is where you will go.”
Oikeíōsis (also: Oikeiosis · Greek οἰκείωσις – “appropriation of the self”)
Brief Definition: Process of self-realization through insight into one’s nature.
Stoic Relevance: Foundation of ethical growth and connection with others.
Application Note: Important for identity formation, communal ethics, and virtue teaching.
“To know yourself is to know your measure.”
Dianoía (also: Dianoia · Greek διάνοια – “conscious reasoning power”)
Brief Definition: Deliberate, ethically grounded reasoning.
Stoic Relevance: Only conscious thought leads to sincere action.
Application Note: Indispensable for self-examination, goal setting, and ethical conduct.
“Think before you act – then act resolutely.”
Areté (also: Arete · Greek ἀρετή – “moral excellence”)
Brief Definition: Ethical perfection – virtue as lived excellence.
Stoic Relevance: The highest good in Stoic philosophy.
Application Note: Guiding principle for self-leadership, judgment, and moral authority.
“Virtue is not a claim – it is a stance.”
Epiméleia Heautoû (also: Epimeleia Heautou · Greek ἐπιμέλεια ἑαυτοῦ – “care of the self”)
Brief Definition: Mindful self-leadership for ethical development.
Stoic Relevance: Without self-care, no care for the whole is possible.
Application Note: For self-reflection, life planning, and spiritual practice.
“Care for yourself – not out of vanity, but clarity.”
Ergón (also: Ergon · Greek ἔργον – “work, act made manifest”)
Brief Definition: Tangible expression of action – lived deed.
Stoic Relevance: A person is known by their work.
Application Note: For vocation, evaluating actions, and self-responsibility.
“Your work is your testimony.”
Prohairesis Energetikḗ (also: Prohairesis Energetike · Greek προαίρεσις ἐνεργητική – “active volition”)
Brief Definition: Resolute will directed toward moral obligation.
Stoic Relevance: Will is not mere desire – it is active self-leadership.
Application Note: Especially relevant for resilience, decisiveness, and initiative.
“Will has power – when it stays undistracted.”
Glossary · Ethics & Action – Part 2
Diokḗsēi Tou Kalou (also: Diokesei Tou Kalou · Greek δίωξις τοῦ καλού – “pursuit of the good”)
Brief Definition: Purposeful pursuit of ethical principles.
Stoic Relevance: Those who know the good are obliged to realize it.
Application Note: Central idea of virtue ethics and action orientation.
“Striving is not enough – the goal is what counts.”
Hexis Praktikḗ (also: Hexis Praktike · Greek ἕξις πρακτική – “habit of action”)
Brief Definition: Lasting inner disposition toward practical action.
Stoic Relevance: Disposition shapes action – not the other way around.
Application Note: Relevant for discipline, consistency, and living virtuously.
“You act as you are – not the other way around.”
Logikḗ Praxis (also: Logike Praxis · Greek λογική πράξις – “reason-guided action”)
Brief Definition: Action grounded in rational insight.
Stoic Relevance: Reason is the measure of all things – including deeds.
Application Note: Essential for decision ethics, daily practice, and self-leadership.
“Act as if you’ve thought it through.”
Apódrasis Kathēkontōn (also: Apodrasis Kathekonton · Greek ἀπόδρασις καθηκόντων – “flight from duty”)
Brief Definition: Avoidance or rejection of what is recognized as appropriate.
Stoic Relevance: Those who flee duty lose themselves.
Application Note: Warning concept for ethical failure, laziness, or self-deception.
“Duty has no pause – only decision.”
Eudaimonía (also: Eudaimonia · Greek εὐδαιμονία – “flourishing life”)
Brief Definition: State of inner harmony and ethical fulfillment.
Stoic Relevance: The ultimate aim of all Stoic practice – virtue as a form of happiness.
Application Note: Reference point for life guidance, education, and wisdom teaching.
“A good life is lived – not explained.”
Hormê̂ Praktikḗ (also: Horme Praktike · Greek ὁρμή πρακτική – “impulse to act”)
Brief Definition: Inner drive toward what is ethically required.
Stoic Relevance: Drive needs direction – and restraint.
Application Note: Indispensable for motivation, resolve, and initiative.
“Impulse matters – if it serves the right aim.”
Koinōnía Práxeōs (also: Koinonia Praxeos · Greek κοινωνία πράξεως – “community through action”)
Brief Definition: Ethically grounded solidarity through shared doing.
Stoic Relevance: We are social beings – through deed, not theory.
Application Note: Foundational for the common good, political ethics, and cooperation.
“Duty becomes encounter – when done together.”
Eudokía (also: Eudokia · Greek εὐδοκία – “assenting will to act”)
Brief Definition: Active affirmation of the act as ethically right.
Stoic Relevance: Consent to action is part of virtue.
Application Note: Important for motivation, volition, and moral clarity.
“It’s not doubt that guides – it’s assent.”
Dynamis Ethikḗ (also: Dynamis Ethike · Greek δύναμις ἠθική – “ethical potency”)
Brief Definition: Capacity to act ethically and effectively.
Stoic Relevance: Knowledge alone is insufficient – it must move to action.
Application Note: Benchmark for virtue in practice, daily ethics, and agency.
“Virtue that does not act remains an idea.”
Sunérgēsis Ethikḗ (also: Synergesis Ethike · Greek συνεργεσία ἠθική – “co-action in moral good”)
Brief Definition: Participating in ethical order through active doing.
Stoic Relevance: Each individual helps shape the whole.
Application Note: Key idea in social ethics, responsibility, and engagement.
“Those who act – belong.”
Glossary · Ethics & Action – Part 3
Metánoia Práxeōs (also: Metanoia Praxeos · Greek μετάνοια πράξεως – “repentance for past action”)
Brief Definition: Retrospective insight and reversal regarding one’s actions.
Stoic Relevance: While not cultivated, repentance is acknowledged as a source of growth.
Application Note: Relevant for ethical reflection, learning from mistakes, and cultivating a growth mindset.
“Recognize, act anew – and let the past go.”
Agathón Prakton (also: Agathon Prakton · Greek ἀγαθὸν πρακτόν – “the good in execution”)
Brief Definition: The good revealed through ethical action.
Stoic Relevance: Virtue is proven in deed, not in thought.
Application Note: Anchor for practical virtue, ethical lifestyle, and day-to-day morality.
“Good remains theory – until you act.”
Politeía Práxeōs (also: Politeia Praxeos · Greek πολιτεία πράξεως – “civic action”)
Brief Definition: Responsible action within the community.
Stoic Relevance: The sage lives engaged, not detached.
Application Note: Essential for political ethics, civic sense, and public good.
“Don’t act just for yourself – act for all.”
Skopikḗ Étē (also: Skopike Ete · Greek σκοπικὴ ἕξις – “goal-oriented virtues”)
Brief Definition: Virtues directed toward ethical goals.
Stoic Relevance: Without purpose, virtue is mere intent.
Application Note: Useful for clarifying goals, orientation, and shaping character.
“Every virtue knows its aim.”
Kathēkonta Mesóthēta (also: Kathekonta Mesotheta · Greek καθήκοντα μεσότητα – “appropriate mean in action”)
Brief Definition: Ethics of balance between extremes.
Stoic Relevance: Measure and moderation are marks of wisdom.
Application Note: For everyday decisions, conflict resolution, and emotional maturity.
“Too much is as wrong as too little.”
Aporía Praktikḗ (also: Aporia Praktike · Greek ἀπορία πρακτική – “practical dilemma”)
Brief Definition: Difficulty in choosing between seemingly equal actions.
Stoic Relevance: Even the sage doubts – but with method.
Application Note: Helpful for analyzing dilemmas, ethical gray zones, and decision-making.
“When no option is easy, go with what is right.”
Sunéstēkhen Práxis (also: Sunestekhen Praxis · Greek συνεστήκεν πράξις – “coherent life practice”)
Brief Definition: Consistent, unified action in everyday life.
Stoic Relevance: Philosophy begins in behavior, not words.
Application Note: Benchmark for authenticity, strength of character, and practicality.
“To be what you do – is to speak without lying.”
Apátheia Práxeōs (also: Apatheia Praxeos · Greek ἀπάθεια πράξεως – “passion-free action”)
Brief Definition: Clear action, undisturbed by emotional turmoil.
Stoic Relevance: The sage acts not from feeling – but from understanding.
Application Note: For crisis management, decision-making, and emotional clarity.
“Clarity outshines turmoil – every time.”
Orthḗ Práxis (also: Orthe Praxis · Greek ὀρθή πράξις – “right action”)
Brief Definition: Action aligned with ethical standards.
Stoic Relevance: Rightness is measured by logos, not by outcomes.
Application Note: Foundation for conscience, moral judgment, and integrity.
“What is right – endures.”
Oikeion Érgon (also: Oikeion Ergon · Greek οἰκεῖον ἔργον – “one’s proper work”)
Brief Definition: The personal life task aligned with one’s rational nature.
Stoic Relevance: Everyone has a task – and no one else can do it.
Application Note: Core idea for vocation, responsibility, and life purpose.
“Become what only you can become.”
Glossary · Ethics & Action – Part 4
Kairós Práxeōs (also: Kairos Praxeos · Greek καιρὸς πράξεως – “right moment to act”)
Brief Definition: The right moment for an action in harmony with reason.
Stoic Relevance: Wisdom lies in recognizing the right time.
Application Note: Important for decision-making, timing, and practical living.
“Not earlier, not later – only now is right.”
Thélēma Kalon (also: Thelema Kalon · Greek θέλημα καλόν – “will to good”)
Brief Definition: The inner orientation toward moral good.
Stoic Relevance: Virtue begins with intent.
Application Note: Valuable for ethical motivation, volition, and grounding of action.
“Will is the first step to virtue.”
Akrasía (also: Akrasia · Greek ἀκρασία – “weakness of will”)
Brief Definition: Lack of self-discipline despite better knowledge.
Stoic Relevance: Insight without action remains weakness.
Application Note: Useful for reflecting on failure, resilience, and practical ethics.
“Knowledge alone doesn’t make character.”
Philoponía (also: Philoponia · Greek φιλοπονία – “love of effort in action”)
Brief Definition: Joy in demanding action.
Stoic Relevance: The sage does not fear effort.
Application Note: For training discipline, perseverance, and approach to action.
“Those who love effort are free from frustration.”
Téleia Práxis (also: Teleia Praxis · Greek τελεία πράξις – “perfect action”)
Brief Definition: Action in harmony with logos leading to perfection.
Stoic Relevance: The goal lies not in outcome but in the integrity of the act.
Application Note: Helpful for quality awareness, integrated living, and reaching spiritual goals.
“It’s not the outcome that completes – but the posture in doing.”
Sunérgēsis Lógu kai Érgou (also: Synergesis Logou kai Ergon · Greek συνεργεσία λόγου καὶ ἔργου – “alignment of word and deed”)
Brief Definition: Consistency between what is said and done.
Stoic Relevance: Authenticity is lived truth.
Application Note: Essential for integrity, leadership, and inner congruence.
“Speak as you act – or act as you speak.”
Diáthesis Energeíâs (also: Diathesis Energeias · Greek διάθεσις ἐνεργείας – “readiness to act”)
Brief Definition: Inner orientation toward purposeful action.
Stoic Relevance: Readiness is the quiet beginning of all action.
Application Note: Valuable for decisiveness, engagement, and mental readiness.
“To be ready is to have begun.”
Ethikḗ Strategía (also: Ethike Strategia · Greek ἠθικὴ στρατηγία – “virtuous planning of action”)
Brief Definition: Ethically aligned planning of actions.
Stoic Relevance: Deliberate action is not chance – it’s intention.
Application Note: Useful for ethical project management, goal planning, and reflective initiative.
“Even virtue needs strategy.”
Phronēsis Práxeōs (also: Phronesis Praxeos · Greek φρόνησις πράξεως – “practical wisdom in action”)
Brief Definition: Wisdom in action, based on reason and experience.
Stoic Relevance: The sage acts wisely – not reflexively.
Application Note: Helpful in ethical leadership, decision-making, and building character.
“Wise actions speak softer – and clearer.”
Krátos Skopoû (also: Kratos Skopou · Greek κράτος σκοποῦ – “goal persistence”)
Brief Definition: Holding fast to the ethical goal despite hardship.
Stoic Relevance: Steadfastness is virtue’s twin.
Application Note: For endurance, resilience, and long-term character shaping.
“He who stands firm – grows beyond himself.”
📜 Further Reflections
Ethics isn’t the judge of your life – it’s the compass within it. These terms aren’t here to preach but to empower.
In Stoicism, it’s not about commandments – it’s about inner orientation. The question isn’t “What is allowed?” – but “What is meaningful, fitting, necessary?”
“What you do shows who you are – not what you claim.”
What Now?
- Ask yourself more often if you’re doing what you know.
- Decide with the big picture in mind – not just the moment.
- Practice being right – not just being right.
Ethics is not a destination – it’s the framework within which you shape your life.
Please Note
The content of this post is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It does not constitute personal, psychological, or medical advice. For individual concerns, please consult an expert. Learn more: Disclaimer.
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