Single Idea 6000

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / k. Ethics from nature]

Full Idea

Diogenes of Babylon defined the goal to be rationality in the selection and rejection of the things according to nature.

Gist of Idea

The goal is rationality in the selection of things according to nature

Source

report of Diogenes (Bab) (fragments/reports [c.180 BCE]) by D.L. Blank - Diogenes of Babylon

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.193


A Reaction

This captures the central Stoic idea quite nicely. 'Live according to nature', but this always meant 'live according to reason', because that is (as Aristotle had taught) the essence of our nature. This only makes sense if reason and nature coincide.