Diogenes Laërtius · fl. 3rd century CE
Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.83 — Diogenes Laërtius on the Stoics
Translation by R. D. Hicks (1925)
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.83
Reported speech · Diogenes Laërtius on the Stoics
Such, then, is the logic of the Stoics, by which they seek to establish their point that the wise man is the true dialectician. For all things, they say, are discerned by means of logical study, including whatever falls within the province of Physics, and again whatever belongs to that of Ethics. For else, say they, as regards statement and reasoning Physics and Ethics could not tell how to express themselves, or again concerning the proper use of terms, how the laws have defined various actions. Moreover, of the two kinds of common-sense inquiry included under Virtue one considers the nature of each particular thing, the other asks what it is called. Thus much for their logic.
Cite this passage
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.83 (on the Stoics), tr. R. D. Hicks (1925)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/lives-of-the-stoics/7.83
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book VII, tr. R. D. Hicks (Loeb, 1925). Text: Perseus Digital Library (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWraps up Stoic logic by arguing that the wise person is the true master of reasoning, since everything in physics and ethics depends on stating things correctly and using words properly. Ends the logic section.
Older wording
- “dialectician”
- — an expert in reasoning by question and answer
- “Physics”
- — the study of nature and the cosmos
Themes and situations
- Judgements and impressions
- Learning and progress
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.