Video and Podcast Resources on Epictetus’ Discourses

free video and audio lectures leading you through one of the most important works of ancient Stoicism

Years back, I developed an online course leading learners through one of the most important works of Stoic philosophy, Epictetus’ Discourses. As one of the components of that class, I shot a number of short core concept videos discussing many of the key ideas, arguments, distinctions, and practices found in that text.

Later on, when I began taking core concept videos and converting them into Sadler’s Lectures podcast episodes, I created sound files of those Epictetus lectures. I did that work in phases, working on ten or so at a time. That work finished up earlier this week, with the last episode focused on the three “fields” or “disciplines” (topoi).

For those who would like to work their way through Epictetus’ Discourses, I have available the entire set of 46 videos and 46 corresponding podcast episodes. Here they are, arranged by topic.

Central Stoic Concepts

• The Beginning of Philosophy | watch video | listen to podcast

• Making Progress Towards The Good | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Three Fields (Topoi) of Study | watch video | listen to podcast

• Attention or Mindfulness (Prosokhē) | watch video | listen to podcast

• Dealing with Appearances (Phantasiai) | watch video | listen to podcast

• What Is and What Isn’t in our Control | watch video | listen to podcast

Prohairesis, Habits, And Character

• Habits and Practice | watch video | listen to podcast

• Training or Discipline (Askesis) | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Faculty of Choice (Prohairesis) | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Nature of Freedom (Eleutheria) | watch video | listen to podcast

• On Indifference in Things (Adiaphoria) | watch video | listen to podcast

Rationality And Reasoning

• Rationality and the Ruling Part | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Use of Argument and Logic | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Master Argument | watch video | listen to podcast

• On Preconceptions (Proleipseis) | watch video | listen to podcast

• Processes of Practical Reasoning | watch video | listen to podcast

• Knowing the Prices of Things | watch video | listen to podcast

Stoic Treatments Of Emotions

• Familial Affection (Philostorgē) | watch video | listen to podcast

• Anxiety or Anguish (Agonia) | watch video | listen to podcast

• Understanding and Addressing Anger | watch video | listen to podcast

• Solitude or Forlornness | watch video | listen to podcast

• Irrational Fears | watch video | listen to podcast

• Confidence, Caution, and Concern | watch video | listen to podcast

• Not Wanting Pity | watch video | listen to podcast

• Lust and Adultery | watch video | listen to podcast

Relationships With Other People

• Duties, Roles, and Relationships | watch video | listen to podcast

• Authority and Moral Example | watch video | listen to podcast

• Stoic Cosmopolitanism | watch video | listen to podcast

• Subjecting Desires to Other People | watch video | listen to podcast

• Conditions for Genuine Friendship | watch video | listen to podcast

• Social Intercourse and Engagements | watch video | listen to podcast

Common Problems, Mistakes, and Challenges

• Inconsistency and Moral Failings | watch video | listen to podcast

• Personal Appearance and Beauty | watch video | listen to podcast

• Cleanliness and Purification | watch video | listen to podcast

• Stubbornness or Obstinacy | watch video | listen to podcast

• Contentiousness And Its Opposite | watch video | listen to podcast

• False Peace and Leisure as Ends | watch video | listen to podcast

• Dealing with Illness | watch video | listen to podcast

Stoic Conceptions Of The Divine

• Human Relations to the Divine | watch video | listen to podcast

• Divine Providence | watch video | listen to podcast

• Willing What God Wills | watch video | listen to podcast

Stoicism and Other Philosophical Traditions

• Socrates as a Stoic Sage | watch video | listen to podcast

• The Profession of a Stoic Philosopher | watch video | listen to podcast

• About Cynicism | watch video | listen to podcast

• Criticisms of Academic Skepticism | watch video | listen to podcast

• Criticisms of Epicureanism | watch video | listen to podcast

I hope you find these useful in studying one of the most important and influential works of Stoic philosophy!