Ataraxia - a philosophy ... Ataraxia

It's no secret that many psychological concepts used by experts today, its roots reach the ancient times.Among these can be identified special quality of the human psyche, which is referred to as ataraxia.That word, in comparison with other more popular terms, occurs rarely in our lives.For now, we will look at what it is, and what is characterized as a manifest ataraxia.

Brief definition

So ataraxia - the definition of the behavioral characteristics of the individual, which is characterized by a complete lack of fear, worry and anxiety.In other words, a person who is in this mental state, behaves very calm, emotionless, unbiased.Alien to him as the negative emotions and positive, because any job, any begun business if he does the same breath, without a change of mood, skillfully and impartially.It is worth noting that only this term now used exclusively by psychologists, describing the state of mind of its customers.Previously, he had related solely to the philosophical teachings, and because his story is very interesting.

origin of the word

Ataraxia in philosophy - is, above all, peace of mind, serenity, composure and equanimity.The states, which could be achieved only in mature, and even in their older years, the wisest philosophers and healers of the ancient world.The word originated in about the fifth century BC, and his "father" believe Democritus Abdersky.However, in his works a specific description of the state of mind occurs only occasionally.In subsequent years, the topic began to develop Aristotle.It is the notion of ataraxia - this is the definition of a special virtue.This term he refers to qualities such as courage, restraint and impassivity.

Ataraxia in ancient teachings

During the prosperity of ancient philosophy the term was very widely used in such flows as skepticism and Epicureanism.Some researchers also believe that ataraxia in philosophy - this is the starting point which made it possible to scientists to develop, because they are in it, in fact, are based.Skepticism teaches us what to look for, above all, is at the facts.No need to be sprayed on various hypotheses, reflections and other nonsense.Only with the help of proven material objects that you can see and feel the reality of being built.In Epicureanism ataraxia - is the basis for obtaining pleasure.The philosophical school, which was founded by Epicurus, came slaves and women.The basis of the doctrine for this segment of the population were the following dogma:

  • lack of fear of the gods.
  • lack of fear of death.
  • Fortunately, you can easily achieve.
  • Evil can easily survive.

School stoicism

Concepts such as apathy and ataraxia, closely connected with the doctrine called "stoicism", which appeared in the Hellenistic period and lasted until the fall of the Western Roman Empire.In earlier years, these terms are, in principle, no different, and the words are considered synonyms.Atarax later became known as the ability to keep a low profile, coolly and rationally, taking the right decisions.Marcus Aurelius, in turn, believed that such mental capabilities appear in person after he experienced some events, ran into difficulties, which have made it more callous and common.It is necessary to highlight here that it was on the basis of his teachings on this subject are based all the achievements of modern psychology.

From the point of view of medicine

In contrast to the ancient philosophers, in a very different context of modern psychology perceived the term "ataraxia".The disease, disorder, deviation, which often acquired - so Atarax characterize these days.Most often, it is covered by psychologists as an intermediate phenomenon in human behavior.On the one hand, ataraxia manifested as a result of severe stress.The body, enclosing themselves in the framework of self-restraint, composure and indifference, protects itself from further emotional turmoil.If ataraxia achieved in this way (and not artificial, by spiritual practices), it can have very serious consequences.

What is fraught with such a disease

Many modern scholars are often interested in the question of what is ataraxia and AFAS together and how these concepts are related.So, a mental disorder as ataraxia, if it is acquired in a natural way (the effects of stress) can lead to more serious disorders in the brain.The most famous event is the aphasia - speech impairment due to damage neurons work left cerebral hemisphere.It should be noted that this work is the vocal apparatus is maintained in sound condition.Distortion can be syntactic rules of speech, morphological and phonemic.

We achieve the cherished goal

For many sages of the past, and for many people of our time one of the most interesting topics in psychology and philosophy was just ataraxia.How to achieve such a state as to stay there permanently and not to injure yourself?Let's try to understand this.We have already decided that this state may be due to stress.In such a case will be considered ataraxia disease deviation.

quite another matter if you yourself as if dip themselves into the maelstrom of tranquility, equanimity and tranquility.Have practiced for years, perhaps based on some error experiences.With the right attitude and aspiration you will gradually become more reasonable, cold to detail.Attention will focus only on what matters most, and soon world will change radically.

Practice ancient sages

In order to achieve a state of their own ataraxia, first of all, you can use the so-called precepts of Epicurus, since they are focused on getting asocial pleasure that person closest.So the point is this: to achieve happiness man should avoid physical suffering.However, his soul must remain in complete weightlessness.It should be neither love nor hatred, nor any other feelings.In the end, a person will need friendships with like-minded people who can share his point of view and philosophy.Also very useful practice would be to avoid the perception of mutually exclusive concepts such as joy, sorrow, beauty, ugliness, life, death, etc.But it is necessary to realize that such a thing as truth does not exist.Each is its own, and each has a personal point of view and judgment.