Moral choice

In Stoic philosophy, prohairesis refers to the rational and moral faculty within an individual that is central to ethical decision-making and personal character. The term, which can be translated as "moral character", "rational will,", “choice”, “will” or “volition”. It represents the core of human agency and is seen as the part of the mind responsible for making choices aligned with virtue and reason.

Prohairesis is crucial in Stoicism
because it embodies the capacity to evaluate and respond to external events through the lens of rationality.

According to the Stoics, while external events and circumstances are beyond our control, our responses to these events are governed by prohairesis. This means that our ability to maintain inner tranquility, act with virtue, and align with the natural order of the universe hinges on how well we exercise this rational faculty.

The Stoics believed that the proper use of prohairesis involves discerning what is within our control and making decisions in accordance with virtue, which in stoic terms includes wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

In Stoic practice, a key goal is to cultivate and refine prohairesis through mindfulness and self-examination by regularly reflecting on one’s thoughts and decisions, and by aligning them with rationality and virtue. This, in turn, fosters a life of virtue and tranquility, aligning one’s inner state with the rational order of the universe and maintaining serenity amidst external fluctuations.