Step-by-Step Guide to Making Correct Use of Impressions and Character Development

 

"ChatGPT"

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Proper Use of Impressions: [Based on a message sent to the ISF by Grant C.Sterling]. See below.

• Understand the nature of impressions: Impressions are cognitive and propositional ideas that represent the world in a certain way. They are not uninterpreted raw data but carry meaning and claims about reality.

• Recognize the value component: Some impressions are value-neutral, while others have a value component, indicating something as good or bad. For example, seeing your backpack on a chair may be a neutral impression, but perceiving it as an intrusion into your office can create a negative value impression.

• Acknowledge lack of control over initial impressions: Initially, assume that impressions are not under your direct control. They arise spontaneously based on your sensory experiences and thoughts.

• Focus on controlling your reaction: While you may not have control over the impressions themselves, you have control over how you react to them. Your reaction depends on whether you assent (accept as true) or refuse to assent to a particular impression.

• Assenting to impressions: When you assent to an impression, you accept it as true. This cognitive process occurs in your conscious mind, often implicitly and without explicit formulation of thoughts. For example, accepting the impression that your backpack is on the chair without questioning its validity.

• Rejecting impressions: If you refuse to assent to an impression, you withhold acceptance and consider it unproven or false. Rejecting an impression involves both non-assent and formulating a new idea that contradicts the impression. For instance, if you question the accuracy of seeing your backpack on the chair, you may conclude that it's unlikely and consider alternative possibilities.

• Understand the consequences of assent: When you assent to an impression with a value component, it leads to a desire for the corresponding outcome. For example, if you accept the impression of an intrusion into your office, you may desire that the "bad" thing (someone intruding) does not happen.

• Emotions and actions linked to assent: Assenting to impressions with value components may generate emotions and subsequent actions. If an impression suggests a good or bad outcome has already occurred, it can evoke positive or negative emotions. These emotions can then influence your behavior and actions.

• Consider the influence of subsequent impressions: Assenting to an impression can lead to subsequent impressions, which may shape your course of action. For instance, accepting the impression of an intrusion may trigger the thought that you should investigate who entered your office, potentially leading to an angry confrontation.

• Recognize the centrality of assenting to impressions: According to the Stoic view, assenting to impressions is crucial because it influences everything in life. All desires, emotions, and actions are tied to how you assent or refuse to assent to impressions.

• Strive for correct assents: To achieve eudaimonia (flourishing and fulfillment), focus on making correct assents to impressions. This involves carefully considering the value judgments and being mindful of your reactions.

• Shape your character through assent: Your impressions are closely connected to your character. By rejecting certain impressions, you reduce their frequency and strength. Conversely, by assenting to specific impressions, you make them more common and compelling. Over time, controlling your acts of assent helps shape your character towards virtue.

• Formulate alternative ideas: While you cannot directly control initial impressions, you can formulate new ideas to counter or reinterpret them. If you refuse to assent to an impression, you can choose to formulate an alternative idea that aligns with reason and virtue. For example, replacing the impulse to punch someone with the thought that violence won't solve problems.

• Consciously formulate true propositions: Deliberately construct true propositions regarding the lack of value attached to external things. Remind yourself that external events or actions are neither inherently good nor evil. This conscious formulation of truths can help reinforce a virtuous perspective.

• Formulate true action propositions: Likewise, consciously formulate action propositions that align with virtue and duty. Recognize the appropriate actions in different situations based on preferred and dispreferred indifferents (things outside your control) and the duties connected to your various roles in life.

• Assent to correct actions: When you act virtuously and in alignment with your formulated propositions, assent to the idea that you have done a good thing. By recognizing your virtuous actions, you can experience joy or a sense of fulfillment.

• Cultivate change over time: Con

qtinuously practicing correct assents and aligning your actions with reason and virtue gradually transforms your character. As you develop a virtuous character, false value impressions related to externals diminish, and correct assents become more routine. This transformation leads to eudaimonia, a state of well-being and harmony.

Remember, the process of properly using impressions requires consistent practice and self-awareness. By consciously controlling your assents and shaping your character, you can lead a more fulfilling and virtuous life according to Stoic philosophy.

Making Correct Use of Impressions and Character Development