Right Action and Social Duty

Actions must serve justice, courage, temperance, and wisdom

Chess

Document IDST-POL-003
Version1.0
Effective DateJuly 27, 2025
AuthorDavid V
Approved By[Approver Name]

Purpose

To define the Stoic principle of right action, grounded in virtue and oriented toward fulfilling one's roles and obligations in the cosmos and society. This policy guides the practitioner in aligning external behavior with inner moral commitment, irrespective of outcome or recognition.

Scope

This policy applies to all external acts, speech, omissions, and roles undertaken by a Stoic practitioner within private life, professional settings, and public engagement. It governs intentional conduct, execution of duties, and service to others through the exercise of virtue.

Definitions & Abbreviations

  • Right Action (katorthōma): An action that is done with full alignment to virtue and reason.
  • Dutiful Action (kathēkon): An appropriate act based on one’s social role, even if not yet perfected by virtue.
  • Social Duty: Obligations owed to others by virtue of shared rational nature and communal bonds.
  • Virtue: Moral excellence—comprised of Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Temperance.
  • Eudaimonia: A flourishing life achieved through consistent virtuous action.

Policy Statement

The Stoic practitioner shall act in accordance with virtue, guided by reason and justice, without attachment to outcomes. Right action:

  • Is judged by intention and alignment with moral duty, not success.
  • Must reflect the four cardinal virtues.
  • Recognizes each individual’s place in the human community and contributes accordingly.
  • Should be executed cheerfully, promptly, and without complaint, even under difficulty.
  • Respects one’s personal roles (e.g., parent, partner, professional) and universal roles (e.g., rational being, citizen of the cosmos).

This policy supports ethical conduct and civic participation as extensions of Stoic doctrine.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Practitioner: Responsible for daily adherence to the principles stated in this policy.
  • Scriptan Governance Board: May be responsible for evolving the policy and related procedures.
  • Community: May provide feedback, reflections, and interpretations of this policy.

References to SOPs

Execution of this policy is supported by the following procedures:

  • SOP-ST-003: Prioritizing Virtuous Action
  • SOP-ST-007: Responding to Injustice or Harm
  • SOP-ST-009: Performing Duties Under Adversity

Documentation & Record Keeping

Practitioners are encouraged to maintain:

  • Duty Fulfillment Logs: Noting acts done with virtue in mind, including difficult or unrecognized service.
  • Failure Reviews: Reflecting on moments of omission or action driven by ego, fear, or apathy.
  • Social Role Maps: Identifying and updating key personal and communal roles.

These records support continuous moral development and can be reviewed during mentorship or personal audits.

References

  • Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.5: “Do not waste what remains of your life… by acting without purpose.”
  • Epictetus, Discourses 3.2: “Each man must act according to his nature.”
  • Seneca, On Benefits, On Anger, On the Happy Life
  • Cleanthes, Fragment 576: on cosmic obedience and social responsibility

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.