prosochē

prosochē (προσοχή)

Pronunciation

pro-so-KHAY (prosɔˈkʰɛː)

Definition

The practice of continual attention, vigilance, and self-awareness directed toward one’s rational faculty (prohairesis). It is the discipline of maintaining focus upon what is up to us, guarding the mind against error, and ensuring that every impression (phantasia) is examined before assent. Prosochē is the practical exercise by which philosophy becomes a lived art, uniting thought and action in accordance with reason.

Deep Dive

Prosochē (προσοχή) means “attention,” “mindfulness,” or “careful watchfulness.” It is not a momentary awareness but a sustained and disciplined state of vigilance over the ruling faculty (hegemonikon). It is the constant guarding of the self from false impressions and unexamined impulses.

“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid about externals, and direct your attention (prosochē) only to your own governing principle” (Epictetus Discourses 1.2.23).

The practice of prosochē is inseparable from prohairesis, the rational faculty of choice. Whereas prohairesis is the capacity for moral decision, prosochē is the ongoing awareness that enables it to function rightly. Without attention, the mind is swept away by impressions. To live deliberately. To examine each impression before giving assent (synkatathesis). To live consciously and rationally. (Epictetus, Discourses 4.12.1).

Prosochē therefore belongs to the discipline of assent (tēs sunkatatheseōs askēsis). Which is the first and most essential of the Stoic practise. It trains the mind to perceive clearly, to distinguish what up to us from what is not (Epictetus, Enchiridion 1), and to remain in accord with nature regardless of circumstance. Marcus Aurelius repeatedly enjoins himself to “pay attention” (proseche seautōi) and to keep the ruling faculty pure, free from confusion, and in harmony with nature (Meditations 4.3, 7.28).

Unlike modern “mindfulness,” prosochē is not passive awareness but active moral alertness. It is the vigilant attention of a rational being aware of its cosmic role. A watchman of the soul, always guarding the citadel within.

“For Epictetus, attention (prosochē) is the fundamental attitude of the philosopher. It is the continuous vigilance which protects the ruling principle from being carried away by the impressions that assail it.” (Pierre Hadot, The Inner Citadel ).

Attention must be continuous because impressions are ceaseless and deception subtle. The moment attention lapses, error enters.

Through prosochē one achieves consistency (homologia), living in full agreement with reason and nature. It links logic and ethics in practice: logic supplies the method for testing impressions; ethics applies it to life. In physics it reflects the logos itself, ever present, guiding all things through rational order. Thus, attention mirrors cosmic reason on the microcosmic level of the individual soul.

Epictetus described it as nothing other than the proper use of attention:

“What is philosophy? Does it not mean making preparation to meet what may befall? Do you not see that it takes the form of attention (prosochē) to one’s own ruling principle?” (Discourses 3.12.15–16).

To live without attention is to live in ignorance, driven by externals; to live with attention is to live with reason, freedom, and awareness of one’s duties as a rational and social being. In the state of full prosochē, the mind remains present to its own operations, aware of impressions as they arise, choosing in accordance with orthos logos (right reason), and thus aligning itself with the cosmic logos.

Prosochē is the foundation of moral training (askēsis). It preserves the health of the soul by constant watchfulness, enabling the disciplines of assent, action, and desire to function correctly. Through continuous attention.

Attention to the present moment ensures that life is lived actively and rationally rather than by habit or drift. Epictetus urged his students to begin each day with renewed vigilance: “Let the first thought that comes to your mind be: I am vigilant, and I shall keep my attention fixed on my ruling faculty” (Discourses 4.12.1).

In this way, prosochē functions as both practice and attitude. As a conscious stance toward life in which each thought and act is measured by reason. It is indispensable to eudaimonia, since without attention the mind cannot remain in accord with nature or virtue.

Further Reading

Sati & Prosoche: Buddhist vs. Stoic “Mindfulness” Compared by Greg Lopez

Related Quotations

“Be vigilant over your impressions; for it is not the things themselves that trouble us, but the opinions we form about them.” – Epictetus, Enchiridion 1 (Oldfather, Loeb)

“Let your attention be fixed upon yourself, as a sentry over a city.” – Epictetus, Discourses 4.12.1–7 (Oldfather, Loeb)

“If you would make progress, lay aside all thought of things outside and keep your attention (prosochē) upon the ruling faculty within.” – Epictetus, Discourses 1.2.23 (Oldfather, Loeb)

“Do not let the movements of the flesh, or of impulse, or of imagination disturb your ruling faculty. Keep watch over it and make it obedient to nature.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.3 (Haines, Loeb)

“Pay attention to what is within, to the governing principle and its conformity to nature.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.28 (Haines, Loeb)

“What else is philosophy but the exercise of attention?” – Epictetus, Discourses 3.12.15–16 (Oldfather, Loeb)