7-Step Model of Impression Management

7-Step Model of Impression Management

 The Stoic View: Changing False Judgments to Eliminate Emotions 

1. Human flourishing consists in virtue and joy

2. Virtue is in our control

3. Joy is in our control

4. External things are not in our control

5. Virtue is good

6. Vice is evil

7. External things are not good

8. External things are not evil

9. Emotions occur if and only if we believe external things have value

10. External things have no value

11. Without believing external things have value, there are no emotions

12. Virtue leads to not believing external things have value

13. Joy leads to not believing external things have value

14. Therefore, human flourishing consists in not believing external things have value and virtue 

A Representation of Stoicism in a Propositional Logic Form

### Step 1: Recognize the Nature of Impressions 

**Logical Basis**: 'externals are not in our control' and 'emotions arise from beliefs about external values' 

- Initial impressions are cognitive propositions, not raw sensory data 

- They often contain implicit value judgments about externals 

- These align with premise 9: 'emotions arise from beliefs about external values' 

- Recognition phase implements 'externals are not in our control' by acknowledging our limited control 

Core philosophical insight: Our immediate reactions are thoughts laden with hidden value judgments, not objective facts. 

### Step 2: Apply Dichotomy of Control 

**Logical Basis**: 'we control virtue' and 'we control our joy' 

- Differentiates between what we can and cannot control 

- Recognizes that while impressions arise automatically, our response is controllable 

- Distinguishes between external events and our internal responses 

- Sets foundation for choosing virtuous responses 

Core philosophical insight: We cannot control events, but we can always control our interpretation and response to them. 

### Step 3: Conscious Evaluation 

**Logical Basis**: 'externals are neither inherently good nor evil' 

- Evaluates impressions against core Stoic principles 

- Tests for false value attributions to externals 

- Critically examines the underlying assumptions of our initial impression 

- Seeks to understand the true nature of the situation 

Core philosophical insight: Most of our suffering comes from incorrectly assigning value to things that are fundamentally neutral. 

### Step 4: Assent Decision 

**Logical Basis**: 'emotions follow from our beliefs about external values' 

- Recognizes how our agreement with an impression leads to emotions 

- Consciously choose whether to accept, reject, or modify the impression 

- Understand that emotional responses are not automatic but chosen 

- Take responsibility for our internal reactions 

Core philosophical insight: We have the power to decide whether an impression will disturb us emotionally. 

### Step 5: Formulate Alternative Impressions 

**Logical Basis**: 'virtue is good' and 'vice is evil' 

- Creates new propositions aligned with Stoic values 

- Reframe the situation in terms of virtue and personal growth 

- Develop a perspective that focuses on what we can learn or how we can improve 

- Shift from external judgment to internal development 

Core philosophical insight: We can always reframe a situation to focus on our potential for virtue and personal improvement. 

### Step 6: Focus on Virtuous Action 

**Logical Basis**: 'human flourishing comes from virtue and joy' 

- Translates theoretical understanding into practical action 

- Choose actions that reflect virtue and wisdom 

- Move beyond contemplation to concrete implementation 

- Align behavior with philosophical principles 

Core philosophical insight: True philosophy is not just understanding, but living out those principles in our daily actions. 

### Step 7: Reinforce Correct Judgments 

**Logical Basis**: 'practicing virtue removes belief in external values' 

- Strengthen virtuous patterns through repeated practice 

- Create a positive feedback loop for character development 

- Reflect on and learn from each application of the process 

- Build a consistent approach to handling impressions 

Core philosophical insight: Character is built through consistent, intentional practice of wise judgment.