Self-Assessment and Rational Reflexivity in Epictetus

This article explores Epictetus’ views about the importance of self-knowledge and self-assessment in his ethics, with special emphasis on book 3 of the Discourses and especially 3.22. Further, it argues that Epictetus developed a theory of rationality which makes forms of reflexivity central to it. It further argues that, though probably inspired by Plato’s dialogues, this theory was original to Epictetus and was not anticipated by earlier Stoics. The role of the Delphic injunction to ‘know thyself’ is important throughout.