EleutherIA — Defined term

Cylinder Analogy (Chrysippus)

Hellenistic · Stoic

The cylinder analogy, attributed to Chrysippus by Cicero and Aulus Gellius, contrasts an initiating external push or impression with the way motion proceeds according to the cylinder's or agent's own constitution. Cicero distinguishes proximate or auxiliary causes from perfect or principal causes; Gellius uses the analogy to reject fate as an automatic excuse for wrongdoing. These witnesses do not unambiguously establish alternative possibilities or a single thesis that assent is fated but not necessary. Sources: Cicero, De Fato 39–45; Gellius, Noctes Atticae VII.2.6–13. Later interpretations should be attributed separately.

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