Zrenje v masko kot pogled v končnost. Strah pred krizo kot strah pred smrtjo in sodobni stoicizem

Abstract

In the article, we discuss the value of (ancient) philosophy in crisis (COVID-19), reminiscent of the existential fact of death, which makes people want to avoid the crisis and not follow safety measures, such as the (proper) wearing of masks to protect lives. They do not want the end of their being, but it comes, paradoxically, even closer because of irresponsibility. Marcus Aurelius, who lived during an epidemic, writes about how to deal with the fear of death. We present modern Stoicism and respect for Aurelius’ philosophy in today’s times, and suggest—although we also put forward some counter-arguments against the suggestion—that a person in crisis can benefit from the Stoic doctrine and with it seek to overcome the fear of death or, in a figurative sense, the fear of crisis, as well as become more prudent and responsible instead of following their own metaphysical-ethical laws, which may also be harmful to themselves. According to Stoicism, overcoming the fear of death is a person’s moral responsibility as otherwise their ethicality can be lost in the time of a crisis of humanity.

Keywords

• covid-19
• marcus aurelius
• modern stoicism
• fear of death
• crisis