This podcast explores various philosophical perspectives on how to live a fulfilling life and humanity's relationship with nature, primarily drawing from Stoicism and environmental ethics.

At its core, the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as human flourishing or happiness, is central to many philosophies discussed. For Aristotle, eudaimonia is achieved through "doing and living well" by exhibiting virtue in accordance with reason, which is seen as the unique essence of human beings. This involves the proper development of one's highest capabilities and intense involvement in meaningful activities. Ancient thinkers like Socrates and Plato also argued that true happiness is not found in pleasure or honour, but in the virtuous and ordered state of the soul. The Stoics radically claimed that a eudaimon life is purely a morally virtuous life, asserting that virtue is both necessary and sufficient for eudaimonia, with external factors like wealth or health being merely "neutral".

This Stoic philosophy is epitomised by the principle of "living in accordance with nature". Far from being passive acceptance, this means actively understanding and aligning oneself with the natural order of the universe and, crucially, with human nature itself. Stoics believe that humans thrive when their unique attributes – reason and sociability – are fully expressed. Cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control, alongside practices like mindfulness, simplicity, and self-discipline, allows individuals to align their actions with this inner, "best self". Marcus Aurelius's Meditations exemplify this, serving as a personal guide to internalising Stoic principles, focusing on the transient nature of external things, the importance of inner peace, and social duty regardless of circumstances. He emphasised that true happiness comes from "good inclinations of the soul, good desires, good actions".

The broader philosophical discussion extends to human nature itself. While evolutionary biology rejects a rigid, essentialist view of human nature, it supports the idea of homeostatic properties – traits that are dynamically stable and distinct to humans, such as complex language and advanced brain structures. This understanding of human nature, which acknowledges both our inherent inclinations and our capacity for choice and self-creation, underpins many philosophies of life, including Stoicism and existentialism.

In parallel, environmental ethics emerged from the 1970s, challenging traditional anthropocentrism (human-centred views) and exploring the intrinsic value of the natural environment and non-human entities. While instrumental value sees nature as a means to human ends, intrinsic value posits that things have value "as ends in themselves". Non-anthropocentric theories, such as Deep Ecology and the new animism/panpsychism, argue for "biospheric egalitarianism" or the inherent worth of all living things and natural processes. Figures like Aldo Leopold with his "land ethic" and Arne Næss's Deep Ecology, with its emphasis on an "expanded self" identifying with nature, advocate for a profound shift in human perception and moral concern towards the non-human world. However, debates exist on whether concepts like "living in accordance with nature" from Stoicism should primarily inform ecological concerns or rather focus on human flourishing and virtue.

Ultimately, the various philosophical and scientific perspectives converge on the idea that understanding our place in the world, embracing our rational and social nature, and acting virtuously are crucial for achieving a meaningful and flourishing life, whether through individual self-cultivation or by extending moral consideration to the wider natural environment.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aminuddinshroff.substack.com