prokopê and prokoptôn

Pronunciation

pro-ko-PAY (prokopḗ) pro-KOP-tone (prokóptōn)

Definition

prokopê means moral progress: the movement toward a fully rational life. It is the gradual alignment of one’s ruling faculty with nature, expressed through increasingly correct judgements and appropriate actions.

A prokoptôn is the person who is making such progress. Not yet wise, still vicious, but moving towards virtue as fewer errors are made and right actions become more stable. Latin: proficiens.

Deep Dive

Prokopê (προκοπή) is the Stoic account of moral growth. It describes not an intermediate moral state just the direction of travel. The long discipline of correcting impressions, strengthening the ruling faculty and shaping one’s choices to accord with nature. Even the progressor is still among the vicious, yet no longer wandering aimlessly.

Epictetus places the centre of progress entirely within the moral choice (prohairesis):

“Where is progress, then? If any of you abandons external things and turns to his own moral choice and works on it… making it harmonious with nature, elevated, free, unhindered, unimpeded, trustworthy, and modest… this is the one who is making progress.” Epictetus, Discourses 1.4.18–21

Progress is not theoretical acquisition.

“If any of you is focused on acquiring a bookish disposition… go home at once; your reason for coming here is worthless.” Epictetus, Discourses 1.4.22–23

The prokoptôn is recognised by action not by study. Like the runner who runs or the singer who sings the progressor lives each circumstance through the practical application of reason.

Chrysippus describes the highest stage of progress:

“He who makes progress to the highest degree performs all the appropriate actions in all circumstances and omits none… his life is not yet happy, but happiness supervenes when these actions become secure and fixed.” Chrysippus, quoted in Plutarch, On Moral Virtue 5 (446f–447a)

Even here the progressive life has not yet reached the unshakable stability of the sage. The actions are correct yet not perfectly firm. The grip is not yet the infallible grasp of wisdom.

Progress shows a tension, one acts increasingly well yet remains aware of error. The prokoptôn accepts this without despair as progress is measured not by perfection but by fidelity to reason in the present moment.

Epictetus advises beginning each day in this spirit:

“Rise in the morning, washing like a trustworthy person, taking breakfast like a modest person, and put your principles into action in every circumstance.” Epictetus, Discourses 1.4.20

Prokopê links the disciplines of assent, action, and desire. It is the lived expression of philosophy. Each impression examined. Each impulse trained. Each choice corrected. Through this steady practice the soul becomes more ordered, more consistent and more in accord with nature.

The prokoptôn is not yet free but is learning what freedom requires. Mastery over one’s own choices alone.

Related Quotations

“Make your ruling faculty harmonious with nature, free and unimpeded.” – Epictetus, Discourses 1.4.18

“This is the person who is genuinely making progress.” – Epictetus, Discourses 1.4.21

“He who makes progress to the highest degree performs all the appropriate actions… but is not yet happy.” – Chrysippus, in Plutarch, On Moral Virtue 446f–447a