Herillus

Herillus (; also Erillus ; Herillos; fl. 3rd century BC) of Chalcedon (or Carthage), was a Stoic philosopher and a pupil of Zeno of Citium.

Philosophy Herillus differed significantly from Zeno's teachings and held that knowledge (ἑπιστήμη) was the goal (τέλος) of life: Herillus said that the chief good was knowledge; that is to say, always conducting one's self in such a way as to refer everything to the principle of living according to knowledge, and not being misled by ignorance.

He said that there was also a second subordinate goal (ὑποτελής, hypoteles). This subordinate goal was related to the Stoic term oikeiôsis (οἰκείωσις): the primary impulse of living creatures. He stated that even people who were not wise aimed at the subordinate goal, but only wise people aimed at the principal goal.

Herillus also regarded the practicalities of everyday life, although necessary, as having no ethical value, because it did not contribute to the supreme good, and for this reason Cicero frequently associates him with the rather different philosophy of Aristo of Chios.

Writings Herillus is said to have written the following works: Περὶ ἀσκήσεως – On Training Περὶ παθῶν – On the Passions Περὶ ὐπολήψεως – On Judgment Νομοθέτης – The Lawmaker Μαιευτικός – Maieutics Άντιφέρων – The Adversary Διδάσκαλος – The Teacher Διασκευάζων – The Preparer Εὐθύνων – The Corrector Ἑρμῆς – Hermes Μήδεια – Medea Θέσεων ἠθικῶν – Ethical theses Some dialogues