Os estoicos e o devir: o lekton em transformação

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the relationship between the concept of lekton and physics, ethics, and logic in the ancient Stoic system of thought. It argues that an individual's ethical conduct is intrinsically linked to their ability to formulate meaningful and true statements. In general, we will analyze how lekton is present in each domain of the Stoic tripartition, maintaining the idea of systematicity in Portico thought. In physics, lekton appears in relation to the body and soul, manifesting their capabilities and limits. In logic, it is a changing concept between physical reality and the incorporeal reality of dialectical propositions and arguments. In ethics, lekton is thought of in this transitional aspect, which guides thoughts to actions. Specifically, we will aim to study lekton in its transitional aspect based on its surface effect. The methodology of this research is based on the analysis of fragments attributed to Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes of Assos, and Chrysippus of Soli, articulated with the most relevant interpretations of the theme. For the Stoics, the soul is a corporeal principle that undergoes internal changes when it comes into contact with objects through sensory impressions. These changes are manifested by representations that produce true knowledge. The lekton expresses the transitive aspect of reality through a process of logical and linguistic intermediation. Thus, the relevance of this research is justified by the approach to representations, highlighting the importance of lekton as a fundamental element in the transmission of meaning during dialogues and in determining the value of truth. The importance of breaking with physical causality is also highlighted, especially in the logical articulation of signs, since the arguments are based on these new meanings of logic present throughout the Stoics' system of thought. The study of logic should not be merely a formal system, but a correct path for coexistence between man and nature. It is therefore concluded that the notion of transitivity attributed to lekton reveals the dynamic character of reality, representing the world without fixed concepts, since it expresses what is becoming, transforming itself into something that can be said and is sayable. It is a way of being in the world guided by the coherent form of the lógos, thus understanding many of the causes and consequences of events in nature. The lekton is the link that truly interprets what is happening between thought and reality in a transformative way, because it represents the lógos in becoming.