What is logos in Stoicism?

Have you stumbled upon the term "logos" and wondered not only what it means but also what it means for you as a practicing Stoic? It's an idea that falls more into the spiritual realm of our philosophy; therefore, its essence is often not easy to grasp.

This short article will shed some light on it and give you some context where the concept of logos is placed within Stoicism.

What is Logos?

The short answer: Logos is the active principle governing nature (or the universe) based on reason.

In Stoicism, the entire cosmos is a living thing, sometimes also referred to God or Zeus. The cosmic nature and all its parts are inherently governed by nature's rational force (logos). Logos is driven and based on reason, so all its divine actions are logical, orderly, and determined.

"The universe itself is God and the universal outpouring of its soul; it is this same world's guiding principle, operating in mind and reason, together with the common nature of things and the totality that embraces all existence; then the foreordained might and necessity of the future; then fire and the principle of aether; then those elements whose natural state is one of flux and transition, such as water, earth, and air; then the sun, the moon, the stars; and the universal existence in which all things are contained." Chrysippus, in Cicero, De Natura Deorum, i. 39

Think of the universe (or nature) as a magnificent symphony, including all its components, like instruments, musicians, the conductor, and even tones. Logos is the conductor, guiding every note and rhythm. Reason is the way the musical information is transmitted to the musicians - the gestures and movements of the conductor. Just as he brings harmony to an orchestra, logos and reason direct the grand performance of the universe.

"The substance of the universe is obedient and compliant; and the reason which governs it has in itself no cause for doing evil, for it has no malice, nor does it do evil to anything, nor is anything harmed by it. But all things are made and perfected according to this reason." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 6.1

Context within Stoicism

The philosophical system of Stoicism is divided into three parts. Knowing them will help you bring the idea of logos into context and understand where we are within Stoicism. The three branches are:

1. Logic
2. Ethics
3. Physics

Logic aims to cultivate rationality and critical thinking skills to understand the nature of truth and make wise judgments.

At the heart of Stoic ethics are contemplations on virtue (arete) and the happy life. It also deals with the Stoic ideal of freedom from passion (apatheia). Consequently, commonly discussed topics like memento mori, acceptance, negative visualization, or what's right or wrong correspond to ethics. 

Logos, on the other hand, corresponds to physics, which aims to understand nature as a whole and our place in it. It is significantly more comprehensive than modern physics or natural philosophy; thus, keeping them distinct from each other is crucial.

Massimo Pigliucci explained the three branches considerably with his favorite metaphor of the Stoic egg.

What does it mean for you?

As Stoics, we aim to understand and interpret the cosmic principle that utters and acts with reason by using logic.

Let's stay with our symphony example. To comprehend the symphony (universe), you must understand the body language (reason) of the conductor (logos) and interpret it according to your role within the orchestra. When you are able to translate the instructions to the playing of your instrument, you create harmony, contributing to a well-sounding symphony. You live according to nature.

"Frequently consider the connection of all things in the universe and their relation to one another. For in a manner all things are implicated with one another, and all in this way are friendly to one another. For one thing comes in order after another, and this is by virtue of the active movement and mutual conspiration and the unity of the substance." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 6.38

In real life, it could look like this: Suppose something happens, e.g., you encounter an insult, feel intense fear, or a friend dies. This is the conductor's signal to play your instrument. You know the conductor is using reason to instruct you what to do. So you decide to catch your impression of the signal, examine it rationally and logically, judge it appropriately, and start playing in harmony and balance.

Final thoughts

While knowing that logos is the ruling principle of the universe is crucial for practicing Stoics, the major takeaway is that Stoicism can only unfold its true power to its most significant extent when we train ourselves in logic, physics, and ethics. Like the elements of an egg, the components of Stoicism are interconnected; one is there for the other. Therefore, we should avoid studying and practicing them in isolation.