Bard, What does it mean to assent to an impression?

 

Bard,

Thanks. Please read the web page: https://iep.utm.edu/epictetu/ and base your answers on that page alone. What does it mean to assent to an impression?

Bard:
"Sure. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, assent is the act of giving our approval or agreement to something. In the context of Stoicism, assent is the act of giving our approval or agreement to an impression. An impression is a presentation of something to our mind, and it can be either true or false. When we assent to a false impression, we are essentially saying that we believe it to be true. This can lead to negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness.

"The Stoics believed that it was important to be aware of our impressions and to carefully consider them before we assent to them. They also believed that we should not assent to impressions that are beyond our control. For example, we cannot control the weather, so we should not assent to the impression that it is going to rain. Instead, we should focus on what we can control, such as our own actions and reactions.

"The practice of withholding assent to false impressions is known as the discipline of assent. It is a key part of Stoic philosophy and can help us to live more tranquil and fulfilling lives.

"Here are some examples of how assent can lead to negative emotions:

• If we assent to the impression that we are being treated unfairly, we may feel angry.

• If we assent to the impression that we are in danger, we may feel afraid.

• If we assent to the impression that we are not good enough, we may feel sad.

"By carefully considering our impressions and withholding assent to those that are false, we can avoid these negative emotions and live more peaceful and fulfilling lives."

Epictetus: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy