In the first part about the specific Stoic doctrine on moral progress (prokop ) attention is first given to the subtle view developed by the early Stoics, who categorically denied the existence of any mean between vice and virtue, and yet succeeded in giving moral progress a logical and meaningful place within their ethical thinking. Subsequently, the position of later Stoics (Panaetius, Hecato, Posidonius, Seneca, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius) is examined. Most of them appear to adopt a basically 'orthodox' view, although each one of them lays his own accents and deals with Chrysippus' tenets from his own personal perspective. Occasionally, the 'heterodox' position of Aristo of Chios proves to have remained influential too. The second part of the study deals with the polemical reception of the Stoic doctrine of moral progress in (Middle-)Platonism. The first author who is discussed is Philo of Alexandria. Philo deals with the Stoic doctrine in a very ideosyncratical way. He never explicitly attacked the Stoic view on moral progress, although it is clear from various passages in his work that he favoured the Platonic-Peripatetic position rather than the Stoic one. Next, Plutarch's position is examined, through a detailed analysis of his treatise 'De profectibus in virtute'. Finally, attention is given to two school handbooks dating from the period of Middle-Platonism (Alcinous and Apuleius). In both of them, the Stoic doctrine is rejected without many arguments, which shows that a correct (and anti-Stoic) conception of moral progress was regarded in Platonic circles as a basic knowledge for beginning students.The whole discussion is placed into a broader philosophical-historical perspective by the introduction (on the philosophical tradition before the Stoa) and the epilogue (about later discussions in Neo-Platonism and early Christianity).

Are You the Ruby Woman? The word virtuous means high moral excellence. As you look into becoming the Virtuous Woman, you must realize she is of great value to God, and – more importantly – she is very rare. Rubies are the rarest and most valuable of all gems and rubies are exceedingly fragile. The miner that finds them must have great skill in cutting and removing the ruby because it is easily fractured and lost when handled incorrectly. However, when the ruby is mined, cut with precision, and placed in a setting, its strength rivals that of a diamond. You are the precious ruby in this story, and your value to God is far above the value of many rubies. The Master Miner, God, has found you, loves you, and desires for you to be set in a ring to show off how rare and beautiful you really are.

A remarkably beautiful study of the sacred virtues being perfected through the soul's sojourn on earth, The Path of Virtue is embellished with virtue-related quotations by saints, sages, and great souls of all philosophic expressions. The path of living a virtuous life is revealed to be the classic route to union with God. Through examination of such virtues as character, kindness, mercy, patience, a wholesome sense of humor, and many others. The Path of Virtue provides invaluable insights into virtue-mastery and God-Realization for dedicated souls everywhere.

A comprehensive summary of best practices in ethics development on campus, providing a variety of practical ways to promote formation of ethics and character among college students and young adults. We are all called upon to make ethical decisions every day—ones regarding being honest with others, not cheating in order to save effort or get ahead, or avoiding involvement in situations that will result in injury to ourselves or others—in short, choosing whether or not to do the "right thing" in all types of situations. On every relational level and throughout an unlimited range of everyday choices and actions, ethical issues come into play. This is especially true for students and young adults. Graduating with Honor: Best Practices to Promote Ethics Development in College Students offers best practices for ethical formation on campus, covering subjects such as how to create an organizational culture of ethics; ethical decision-making situations and circumstances on- and off-campus, curricular and extracurricular; specific developmental goals and challenges in the college setting; ethical principles for decision making; and how faith communities can serve the promotion of student ethics. The book also provides multiple resources and examples of successful efforts to mediate unethical behavior by colleges, supplies a theoretical foundation for ethical formation in college, and outlines what colleges, parents, and students themselves can do to nurture ethical development during the college years.

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Stoic philosophy with "The Virtue of Courage: Volume I," the latest installment in the esteemed "Handbooks for Stoics" series by Parth Sawhney. Within these pages, Sawhney delves deep into the essence of one of Stoicism's most revered virtues: Courage. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, "The Virtue of Courage" serves as a beacon of guidance for navigating life's trials with resilience and grace. Through a collection of illuminating essays, Sawhney invites readers to embrace courage as a foundational pillar of Stoic virtue, empowering them to confront challenges with a steadfast mind and unwavering spirit. From conquering fears and uncertainties to navigating moral quandaries and embracing discomfort, this volume offers a comprehensive roadmap for cultivating courage in every facet of life. Sawhney's insightful reflections and practical strategies inspire readers to live authentically, with integrity and purpose. Whether you seek personal growth, professional success, or a deeper understanding of Stoic philosophy, "The Virtue of Courage: Volume I" is an indispensable companion on the journey toward wisdom and virtue. Discover the transformative power of courage and embark on a path to a life of meaning, resilience, and fulfillment with this essential handbook for modern Stoics.

Much philosophical work on pop culture apologises for its use; using popular culture is a necessary evil, something merely useful for reaching the masses with important philosophical arguments. But works of pop culture are important in their own right--they shape worldviews, inspire ideas, change minds. We wouldn't baulk at a book dedicated to examining the philosophy of The Great Gatsby or 1984--why aren't Star Trek and Superman fair game as well? After all, when produced, the former were considered pop culture just as much as the latter. This will be the first major reference work to right that wrong, gathering together entries on film, television, games, graphic novels and comedy, and officially recognizing the importance of the field. It will be the go-to resource for students and researchers in philosophy, culture, media and communications, English and history and will act as a springboard to introduce the reader to the other key literature in the field.

"Composed by Losang Yeshé around the turn of the seventeenth century, this text is a meditation manual on the lamrim, or "stages of the path to enlightenment." The author, commonly referred to as either the Fifth or Second Paṇchen Lama, depending on the convention for enumeration, formulated it as a supplement to the Easy Path (Delam) written by his immediate predecessor, Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen, who was tutor to the Fifth Dalai Lama. Carrying great significance in the genre of lamrim literature, it came to be recognized as part of a collection of texts known as the eight great lamrims"--