Epictetus' Enchiridion - Ancient Philosophy & Peace of Mind

a classic text of Stoic philosophy!

This course is designed to assist learners in studying a classic text of Stoic philosophy, Epictetus' Enchiridion (or handbook). You'll come away with a solid understanding of key concepts of this practical approach to the problems and challenges of life.

As you work through the 53 chapters of Epictetus' short text, you'll have resources to support you in your study - 21 commentary videos (with over 10 hours of content), 8 printable handouts, and 8 printable worksheets. There are also discussion forums where you can engage in reflection and conversation, and online quizzes that you can use to test your understanding and memory.

I've created this course as a way for the many people interested in Stoicism to continue their own study and development at their own page and on their own time. Best of all, for the present, it's FREE!


Your Instructor


Gregory B. Sadler
Gregory B. Sadler

After a successful career as a college professor, researcher, and administrator, I started our company, ReasonIO (with my wife and partner, Andi Sciacca) in order to engage in philosophy in public, practical, and professional contexts.

I take difficult philosophical texts, thinkers, and topics, and make them accessible for everyday people. That's how philosophy gets traction and remains closely connected with real life!

The work I do with ReasonIO includes online course development and teaching, public speaking, organizational consulting, tutorial sessions, development of philosophy content, and philosophical counseling.

I am the Editor of Stoicism Today and the producer of the Half Hour Hegel series. To date, I have authored one book (Reason Fulfilled By Revelation), and dozens of articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. Although I work in significant part outside of the academy, I remain actively engaged in research and scholarship.


In recent years, I have held a Research Residency at the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies, been a Visiting Scholar position at European Graduate School, and was a Charles Chesnutt Library Fellow.


Course Curriculum


  Introductory Materials - Getting Started
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  A Bit About Stoicism, Epictetus, and The Enchiridion
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 1-5
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 6-15
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 16-23
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 24-30
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 31-36
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  Commentary and Resources chapters 37-46
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  Commentary and Resources, chapters 47-53
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  Other Resources on The Enchiridion, Epictetus, and Stoicism
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  Wrapping Up
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Do I need to already know some philosophy?
It certainly can't hurt, but that's not a prerequisite for taking this course. You'll find that the resources really help you understand Epictetus' Enchiridion
What if I've already read the Enchiridion?
That's not a problem! I've read it hundreds of times, and I still find new insights in this rich work. It's a text you can keep studying your entire life
Do I need to buy into Stoicism to take this course?
You certainly don't! There's a huge difference between understanding a philosophical claim and agreeing with that claim. The goal here is to help students better understand this classic work!

Get started now!