directed to these subjects before the time of Chrysippus, although
these branches of science were no doubt subservient to ethics, whilst
ethics held the most important and highest place in their philosophy.
At a later time, when Chrysippus had expanded the system of the Stoics
in every direction, and especial attention had been devoted to logic,
the necessity for these sciences came to be generally recognised. More
especially was this the case with regard to natural science, including
‘theology.’ All ethical enquiries must start, according to Chrysippus,
with considering the universal order and arrangement of the world. Only
by a study of nature, and a knowledge of what God is, can anything
really satisfactory be stated touching good and evil, and all that is
therewith connected. [98]
Less obvious is the connection between logic and the ultimate aim of
all philosophical enquiries. Logic is compared by the Stoics to the
shell of an egg, or to the wall of a city or garden; [99] and is
considered to be of importance, because it contributes towards the
discovery of truth and the avoiding of error. [100] The value of logic
in their eyes is, therefore, essentially due to its scientific method;
its proper aim is the art of technical reasoning; and thus, following
Aristotle, an unusually full treatment is allowed to the doctrine of
the syllogism. [101] That the value attached to logic must have been
considerable is proved by the extraordinary care which Chrysippus
devoted to the subject; [102] hence, the Stoics would never allow, in
dispute with the Peripatetics, that logic was only an instrument, and
not a part of philosophy. To later writers that stiff logical mode of
description, regardless of all beauty of language, appeared to be a
peculiarity of the Stoic school, [103] and hence that School was
characteristically known as the School of the Reasoners. [104] Frequent
instances will be found hereafter of the Stoic preference for dry
argument and formal logic; [105] in Chrysippus this fondness
degenerated to a dry formalism devoid of taste. [106]
[C. Divisions of philosophy.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account