7-Step Model of Impression Management

 

This seems to be something that could be useful: 

Claude:

Based on the main source text (see link below), I'll modify and elaborate on this process to more precisely reflect the Stoic understanding of impression management: 

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Initial Impression Arrives

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STEP 1: RECOGNIZE THE NATURE OF IMPRESSIONS

• Understand these are cognitive, propositional claims

• Note they are not raw sensory data but interpreted

• Notice if they contain value judgments

• Acknowledge they are initially outside our control

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STEP 2: APPLY DICHOTOMY OF CONTROL

• Recognize impressions initially arise outside our control

• Understand assent is within our control

• Note that formulating new thoughts is in our control

• Remember character development is indirectly in our control

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STEP 3: CONSCIOUS EVALUATION

• Hold the impression in mind without immediate assent

• Check if it assigns good/bad values to externals

• Compare against Stoic principles

• Consider duties related to your roles

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STEP 4: ASSENT DECISION

• Choose to accept or reject the impression

• If rejected, nothing happens - no emotion/action follows

• If accepted and contains value judgment, desire/emotion follows

• If accepted, may lead to action impressions

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STEP 5: FORMULATE ALTERNATIVE IMPRESSIONS

• Create new proposition removing value judgments about externals

• Frame external things as neither good nor evil

• Focus on what is truly in our control

• Consider opportunities for virtue

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STEP 6: FOCUS ON VIRTUOUS ACTION

• Formulate action propositions based on:

  - Duties connected to life roles

  - Preferred/dispreferred indifferents

  - Opportunities for virtuous conduct

• Consider what would be truly correct in this situation

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STEP 7: REINFORCE CORRECT JUDGMENTS

• When acting correctly, assent to having done good

• Experience appropriate joy from virtuous action

• Allow this to strengthen character over time

• Let this shape future impressions

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Key differences from original:

- More emphasis on cognitive nature of impressions

- Clearer connection between assent and resulting emotions/actions

- Explicit focus on character development through repeated practice

- Recognition that initial impressions are outside direct control

- Greater emphasis on role of duty and virtue in action choices

- More precise understanding of how assent/rejection affects outcomes

- Clear link between current actions and future impression patterns 

This revised version more accurately reflects the text's explanation of how impressions work, the role of assent, and the long-term effects on character development. It captures the Stoic understanding that while initial impressions are not in our control, we can shape them indirectly through consistent practice of proper assent and rejection.

Making correct use of impressions