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Sympatheia
The historical and philosophical roots of sympatheia
The concept of sympatheia, or cosmic harmony, has been influential in various philosophical traditions, especially in Stoicism and Neoplatonism. We will examine the historical and philosophical roots of sympatheia, tracing its development from ancient Greek thought to late antiquity and beyond. We will also explore how sympatheia relates to other key notions, such as logos, providence, fate, and ethics. The aim, here, is to show that sympatheia is not only a metaphysical principle, but also a way of living in accordance with nature and reason.
Implications for ethics and morality
Sympatheia is a concept in Stoic philosophy that refers to the natural affinity and connection between all things in the universe. It implies that everything is interrelated and interdependent, and that human beings should act harmonizing with nature and reason. In this section, we will examine the implications for ethics and morality of sympatheia, and argue that it provides a basis for a universal and rational morality that respects the dignity and value of all beings.
Ethics is the study of how we should live and what we should value. Morality is the set of norms and principles that guide our actions and judgments. Sympatheia can inform both ethics and morality by providing a cosmopolitan perspective that transcends narrow self-interest and parochial attachments. According to sympatheia, we are not isolated individuals, but parts of a larger whole, the cosmos, which is governed by divine logos or rational order. Therefore, we should align our wills with the logos, and act in accordance with virtue, which is the excellence of our rational nature.
Sympatheia also implies that we should care for and cooperate with other beings, especially other rational beings, who share the same logos and nature as us. We should recognize that they are our fellow citizens of the world, and treat them with justice, benevolence, and compassion. We should also extend our empathy to non-rational beings, such as animals and plants, who are also part of the cosmic order and deserve respect and care. Sympatheia thus fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world.
Sympatheia can be seen as a source of moral motivation and guidance, as well as a criterion of moral evaluation. It can motivate us to act virtuously by appealing to our rationality and our natural desire for harmony and happiness. It can also guide us to make moral decisions by asking us to consider the consequences of our actions for ourselves and others, and to choose what is best for the whole. Furthermore, it can also help us to judge whether our actions are morally right or wrong by comparing them with the ideal of living in accordance with nature and reason.
In conclusion, sympatheia is a valuable concept for ethics and morality, as it offers a comprehensive and coherent view of how we should relate to ourselves, others, and the world. It challenges us to overcome our selfishness and prejudice, and to embrace our common humanity and destiny. It also inspires us to cultivate our virtues and to live harmonizing with nature and reason.
Challenges and limitations of sympatheia in the modern world
The term Sympatheia means “affinity of parts to the organic whole or mutual interdependence”. It is a quality that allows rational beings to feel connected with each other and with the universe, and to act harmonizing with the natural order. Sympatheia is often translated as “sympathy”, but it also implies a deeper sense of “understanding”, “empathy“, and “compassion“.
However, sympatheia faces many challenges and limitations in the modern world. One of them is the “increasing individualism” and “selfishness” that pervades our society, which makes us lose sight of the common good and the welfare of others. Another challenge is the “diversity” and “complexity” of the world, which makes it harder to relate to people who have different backgrounds, beliefs, values, and experiences. A third challenge is the “environmental crisis”, which threatens the balance and harmony of the natural world, and requires us to rethink our relationship with nature and other living beings.
To overcome these challenges and limitations, we need to cultivate sympatheia in ourselves and in others. We need to “recognize” that we are part of a larger whole, and that our actions have consequences for ourselves and for others. We need to “respect” the differences among people, and seek to learn from them rather than judge them. Also, we need to “care” for the environment, and act responsibly and sustainably towards it. By doing so, we can foster a more peaceful, just, and harmonious world.
How we can cultivate Sympatheia in ourselves and others
Sympatheia can help us overcome our selfish impulses and foster a sense of harmony and compassion in our relationships.
But how can we cultivate Sympatheia in ourselves and others? Here are some possible ways:
- Practice gratitude for the gifts of nature and the contributions of other people. Recognize that everything you have and enjoy is the result of a complex web of causes and effects that involves countless beings. Express your appreciation and share your blessings with others.
- Meditate on the common nature and destiny of all living beings. Imagine yourself as a citizen of the world, belonging to a single community that transcends borders and divisions. Reflect on how your actions affect others and how you can contribute to the common good.
- Challenge your judgments and prejudices about other people. Try to see things from their perspective and understand their motives and feelings. Avoid labelling them as good or bad, friend or enemy, but rather as fellow human beings who share your hopes and fears.
- Cultivate empathy and kindness towards others, especially those who are different from you or who suffer from misfortune. Imagine yourself in their situation and how you would want to be treated. Offer your help and support whenever you can, without expecting anything in return.
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation with those who have wronged you or whom you have wronged. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that holding on to anger and resentment only harms yourself. Seek to understand the reasons behind their actions and to heal the wounds caused by them.
Further reading
If you are interested in learning more about sympatheia, the ancient Greek concept of mutual interdependence and affinity of parts to the organic whole, here are some weblinks that you can check out:
What Is Sympatheia? (And Why It’s So Damn Important): This article explains the Stoic idea of sympatheia and how it can help us to be good and do good for each other. It also introduces the Sympatheia Medallion, a physical reminder of our connection and duty to the world. The URL is https://dailystoic.com/what-is-sympatheia-and-why-its-important/
What is Sympatheia and why is it important?: This article explores the relationship between sympatheia and cosmopolitanism, and how Stoics considered themselves as citizens of the world. It also discusses how sympatheia can help us to live harmonizing with nature and others. The URL is https://thewisemind.net/what-is-sympatheia/
Sympatheia: This is a short definition of sympatheia from the Daily Stoic website. The URL is https://dailystoic.com/sympatheia/
Sympatheia is ‘mutual interdependence’.: This is another brief explanation of sympatheia from the Sokratiko website. The URL is http://www.sokratiko.com/words/sympatheia/