Rationality is key in dealing with emotions from "summary" of Stoicism and Emotion by Margaret Graver
The Stoic philosophers argue that rationality is the primary tool we must use in dealing with our emotions. According to their teachings, our emotions are not something that happens to us involuntarily, but rather are the result of our judgments and interpretations. When we experience an emotion, it is because we have made a judgment about something that has happened to us. These judgments can often be irrational and based on faulty reasoning, which is why it is crucial to employ rationality in order to correct them. In Stoicism, the goal is to achieve a state of apatheia, or freedom from unhealthy emotions. This does not mean that we should suppress or ignore our emotions, but rather that we should examine them critically and understand their underlying causes. By using reason to analyze our emotions, we can determine whether they are based on accurate or inaccurate judgments. If we find that our emotions are the result of faulty reasoning, we can then challenge and correct those judgments in order to achieve a more balanced and rational response. One of the key techniques that the Stoics recommend for dealing with emotions is the practice of cognitive distancing. This involves stepping back from our immediate emotional reactions and examining them from a more objective perspective. By creating a mental distance between ourselves and our emotions, we can gain a clearer understanding of their origins and make more rational decisions about how to respond to them. Another important aspect of the Stoic approach to emotions is the idea of acceptance. Stoicism teaches that we should accept the things that are beyond our control, including our emotions. Rather than trying to resist or suppress our emotions, we should acknowledge them and work to understand them better. This does not mean that we should passively accept whatever emotions come our way, but rather that we should approach them with a sense of rational detachment and a willingness to learn from them.- The Stoic philosophers believe that by using reason to examine and understand our emotions, we can achieve a greater sense of inner peace and tranquility. By cultivating a rational and balanced approach to our emotions, we can free ourselves from the grip of unhealthy passions and live a more fulfilling and virtuous life.
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