Preventive Ethics

Abstract

This chapter and the next examine Epictetus’ negative ethics in more detail and from a somewhat different angle, reverting to the scheme of classification outlined in the first section of the preceding chapter. The reason for two angles and schemes is, hopefully, variety of perspective and comprehensiveness. In any case, there won’t be any tiresome repetition. Delay and Suicide, which belong to Epictetus’ remedial devices, will not be taken up again; nor will Analysis (which, it may be noted, transcends his negative ethics, as it relates to his general theory of learning as well).