宁静
Ataraxia
Stoicism ·Ataraxia (ἀταραξία) is a Greek term meaning 'unperturbedness' or 'tranquility of mind.' In Stoic philosophy, ataraxia is the state of being free from emotional disturbance and mental agitation. It is achieved not by withdrawing from the world but by right judgment — recognizing what is within our control and what is not, and aligning our will with nature.
Níng Jìng
What Are the Key Facts About Ataraxia?
- Tradition: Stoicism
- Chinese: 宁静
- Category:
- Definition: Ataraxia (ἀταραξία) is a Greek term meaning 'unperturbedness' or 'tranquility of mind.
What Concepts Are Related to Ataraxia?
Stoicism 斯多葛主义Frequently Asked Questions About Ataraxia
What is ataraxia?
Ataraxia is 'freedom from disturbance' or tranquility — the goal of several Hellenistic schools (Pyrrhonist Skeptics, Epicureans, and Stoics), achieved by freeing the mind from destructive passions and judgments.
How did the Stoics reach ataraxia?
By distinguishing what is up to us (our judgments) from what is not, and by training the passions into rational assent — so externals cannot disturb the sage's peace.
Is ataraxia the same as apatheia?
Related but distinct: apatheia is 'freedom from passion' (the Stoic cured state of the soul); ataraxia is the resulting tranquility. Stoics sought both; Skeptics sought ataraxia via suspension of judgment.
Did Epicureans also seek it?
Yes — Epicurus taught that absence of bodily pain and mental disturbance (ataraxia) is the height of pleasure; schools differed on method, not the goal's name.