According to Epictetus, there is no clear distinction between what is rational and what is irrational. To him, humans make systematic choices that often defy clear logic. Humans have failed to make decisions based on facts, but in the end, they make better decisions (Epictetus, 2006). This, to a large extent, creates confusion on the concept of rationality. Rationality should be defined on how well a person defines some goals in life. It cannot exist in a vacuum, and the problem in defining it is that there is so much flexibility in what people want. For instance, there has been a constant debate on whether rationality exists among drug addicts. This is because some argue that for taking drugs, they are after all achieving some sense of pleasure even if they cause harm to themselves. Besides the unending discourse on what is rational and what is irrational, the concept should be based on solid statistics and facts, which leads to similar choices as would be computed by a cogent robot.
Humans have the ability to make choices rationally, and this is what distinguishes them from other animals. Irrationality comes in because we cannot control over what happens to us, we only have the ability to control the response. The fundamental goal of education which also plays a crucial role in influencing rational thinking is to differentiate between what can and cannot be controlled, then cultivate the human ability to be concerned with which we can control. What is out of control is referred to as "externals" while what is within control is referred to as "internals." What ought to be of concern are the things humans are in control of, also referred to as internals (Macavei, 2005). Many problems arise due to the fact that humans are not able to differentiate the two and allows the "externals" to take control, making things difficult. Making the externals the most significant things in life jeopardizes freedom, tranquility, and happiness. In many instances in life, things like genetics, race, place of birth, or even place of death are relative to the “externals”-things beyond the control of human beings.
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The general idea is that the internals and the externals determine what is rational and irrational among humans. People have created impressions on what is good and bad in society. At the same time, it is them that determine the attributes of these impressions, creating an elusive image in the eyes of others. In case there is a problem, a sense of grief is created, leading to depression and ultimately wrong decisions or irrationality (Hard & Gill, 2014). Moving forward, there is a need to start rebuilding and turn the bad impressions into indifference immediately. Since humans have the ability first to assess a situation, then perceive before responding, issues of irrationality can be eliminated. Irrationality does not accommodate impressions in a reflective manner. Rational people are directed by the faculty of choice.
In a nutshell, Epictetus believed that the difficulties and challenges in life are what influences the decisions we make. When these challenges are effectively managed, humans have the ability to make sound decisions for the betterment of their lives. The problems and difficulties should promote strength and provide an excellent opportunity to manage and prove one's greatness. After dealing with hardship, we often emerge stronger and better ready to face other life challenges. This further helps distinguish between what is rational and what is irrational.
References
Hard, R., & Gill, C. (2014). Epictetus: Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
Macavei, B. (2005). The Role of Irrational Beliefs in the Rational Emotive Behavior Theory of Depression. Journal of Cognitive & Behavioral Psychotherapies , 5 (1).
Epictetus. (2006). The discourses: Books 1-4 . Sioux Falls, SD: NuVision Publications.
