Heimarmene in Ancient Stoicism

Cosmic determinism, human freedom and the eternal return

Abstract

Stoicism defines heimarmene as a chain that interweaves everything that exists in nature. The physics of ancient Stoics is based in a strict determinism, a doctrine that understands the events of nature as outlined, beforehand, by the divine logos. Influenced by the teachings of the “obscure” Heraclitus, the Stoics identify the divine logos with fire, the active principle of nature, executor of the designs of heimarmene. The cosmos goes through successive and endless cycles that end and restart. However, would it be plausible to ensure human freedom in a deterministic cosmos and driven by eternal return? Chrysippus weaves bold arguments in an attempt to unmask the nebulous relationship between destiny and freedom. For him, freedom lies in the wisdom of not disturbing the influx of universal nature. It is, moreover, the intricate challenge of throwing yourself into the narrow journeys of history, without resisting the dictates of fate.