11.1 Stoic political philosophy and cosmopolitanism

Stoic political philosophy blends cosmopolitanism with practical governance. It champions a universal human community based on shared rationality, challenging traditional notions of citizenship while balancing global ideals with local realities.

At its core, Stoic ethics emphasizes virtue and living in harmony with nature. This shapes their vision of ideal government, mixing monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, with a wise ruler embodying perfect reason and virtue as a moral exemplar.

Stoic Political Philosophy and Cosmopolitanism

Stoic cosmopolitanism in politics

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• Cosmopolitanism promotes world citizenship transcending local political boundaries
• Universal human community based on shared rationality and moral capacity unites all humans
• Challenges traditional citizenship notions emphasizing global governance perspective
• Hierarchy of affiliations progresses from individual to family to local community to humanity
• Balances cosmopolitan ideals with practical governance creating tension with local loyalties

Stoic ethics and natural law

• Virtue as highest good embodied in wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance
• Living harmoniously with nature and reason guides ethical behavior
• Natural law establishes universal moral principles derived from nature accessible through reason
• Emphasizes moral character in leadership setting universal just governance standards
• Concept of duty (kathēkon) informs political responsibilities based on societal roles
• Aligns rational self-interest with common good contributing to societal well-being

Stoic ideal government

• Mixed constitution combines monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy (Roman Republic model)
• Wise ruler (sage) embodies perfect reason and virtue serving as moral exemplar
• Philosopher-king concept emphasizes wisdom as essential for effective governance
• Pragmatic approach works within imperfect political structures focusing on individual virtue
• Envisions cosmopolis as global community governed by reason and virtue

Justice in Stoic political thought

• Cardinal virtue gives each person their due aligning individual actions with cosmic order
• Natural equality challenges traditional hierarchies and slavery (shared capacity for reason)
• Impartial law application emphasizes moral education and critiques excessive wealth
• Oikeiōsis concept extends concern from self to others fostering social cooperation
• Reconciles individual and collective interests through personal virtue and political participation
• Natural law provides higher standard than human-made laws creating moral obligation to resist injustice