Foundational Policy
| Document ID | SCR-POL-001 |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Effective Date | Aug 27, 2025 |
| Author | David V. |
Purpose
This policy establishes the four guiding virtues - Wisdom, Courage, Justice, and Temperance - as the undisputed foundation of Scriptan. These virtues are declared as the ultimate orientation of all who would like to implement practices defined by Scriptan.
This policy establishes that every human being, without exception, possesses the ability to achieve the absolutes of all four virtues.
Scope
This policy applies to all practitioners. All policies, procedures, and practices must align with the four virtues, and none may contradict or diminish them.
Definitions
- Cognitive Capacity: The mental ability to process information, make judgments, and direct conscious responses.
- Reason: The cognitive capacity of processing information through logic and evidence to form reliable conclusions and guide effective action.
- Wisdom: The cognitive capacity to form accurate models of reality and apply them effectively to solve problems while maintaining focus on what lies within our sphere of influence.
- Courage: The cognitive capacity to overcome emotional obstacles and fears, and act on rational conclusions despite uncertainty or potential personal harm.
- Justice: The cognitive capacity to perceive situations accurately without personal bias and act according to what reason determines is right and fair.
- Temperance: The cognitive capacity to evaluate and restrain impulses that conflict with reason, choosing sustainable practices over immediate desires.
- Practitioner: Person who voluntarily implements practices defined by Scriptan.
Core Principles
Humanity succeeds through cooperation.
Throughout history, our greatest achievements -
from building civilizations to advancing knowledge - have emerged when people work together toward common goals.
All human beings share a common rational nature.
This capacity is inherent and independent of birthplace, culture, or social status,
providing a shared basis for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Effective cooperation requires proven principles.
Humanity has experimented with
countless approaches to collaboration. Through millennia of trial and refinement, four
virtues have consistently proven most effective in fostering sustainable cooperation.
Cooperation is an unquestionable good.
Historical evidence demonstrates that societies
flourish when cooperation thrives, and suffer when it breaks down. This is not a matter
of opinion but of observable fact.
The Four Virtues are the pillars of cooperation.
Wisdom guides us toward truth and
understanding. Courage enables us to act on what we know is right. Justice ensures
fairness in our dealings with others. Temperance provides the self-discipline necessary
for sustainable collaboration. Together, these virtues create the foundation upon which
all meaningful cooperation rests.
Reason is the primary guide for judgment and action.
All decisions, practices, and interpretations within the Scriptan must be grounded in
rational thought, consistency with observable reality, and the honest pursuit of understanding.
Human progress depends on the cooperative application of reason.
Throughout history, humanity has advanced in knowledge, capability, and understanding
through the sharing and coordination of rational thought.
Individual human beings should direct their efforts toward cooperative rational endeavors
that expand knowledge, enhance human flourishing, and apply discoveries for the benefit of
all humanity.
That is the optimal strategy for maximizing benefit for individuals,
their families, and their descendants.
References
- Epictetus, Enchiridion and Discourses
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
- Seneca, On the Shortness of Life, Letters to Lucilius
- Cleanthes and Chrysippus fragments (as interpreted in secondary Stoic literature)
Review & Revision
- This policy is subject to annual review by Scriptan governance or its delegated curators.
- Revisions may be made based on community feedback, philosophical developments, or practical insights gained through practice.
- Revisions may occur earlier if new philosophical insight warrants clarification or extension.