"Nature" and the "Nature of Things" in the Stoic Philosophy of Epictetus: A Synopsis

Abstract

Up to now the interpretation of the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus has completely ignored the concept of "Nature of things." The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the fundamental importance and the constant presence of this concept in the works of Epictetus, provided that we look carefully at what is hiding in disguise under the common noun "φύσις," that is "Nature." This result is obtained and documented through the simple logical analysis of all the relevant passages in the works of Epictetus.