“Normative” ethical theories

[LoneWolf]

Interesting, so in light of comparing between views, I think that that view of Irving kinda tallies with some Buddhist views?
Would you say this is a good summary? https://modernstoicism.com/wp-content/up...oicism.pdf

Yeah it is a good summary. I think this is the Donald Robertson flavor as he is the organizer of stoic week.

And indeed, you are not the first to note some similarities with buddhism (both practical oriented, focus on the present, wisdom, compassion, the notion that attachment to stuff are primary sources of human suffering). But there are differences too (buddhism denies permanent self, stoicism places the self central to stoic practice, buddhism more about withdrawal from ordinary life, stoicism more about acting within it).

It is these comparisons and the reasons behind it, that I find more interesting than one or the other.

Given my anti-realist commitments I like that shift that Irving does. I suspect I would have to be careful around the use of virtue depending on whether they are seen as absolutes or instrumental goals. I just bought Irvine’s book A Guide to the Good Life on audible

They are more like guiding principles than absolutes.

Eager to hear what you think of Irvine's book.