Regimen - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Regimen remains, even in our hyper-connected age, an enigma wrapped in the threads of self-discipline and societal expectation. It exists neither as a simple set of rules nor a mere synonym for "diet," but as a subtly coercive force that shapes our bodies, minds, and even our moral landscapes. Could it be that what we call "self-improvement" is a kind of phantom limb, a ghost of past expectations?
The concept of Regimen stretches back into the annals of early medical treatises and philosophical musings. One finds hints in ancient Greek writings on diatetica, especially those attributed to Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BCE), laying the groundwork for the idea that health and well-being are not merely matters of chance but subjects to intentional guidance. These early perspectives influenced Renaissance humanists, such as Marsilio Ficino, who in his letters and treatises emphasized a holistic view of life guided by a carefully constructed regimen of study, diet, and spiritual exercises as a path to enlightenment. It is fascinating to note some of the icons of modernity who have been consumed by a search for the optimal "regimen", most notably the recent popularity of Stoic philosophy which has led many to seek its wisdom in navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
Over centuries, Regimen has been molded and remolded by philosophical, scientific, and cultural forces. The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason and self-improvement, accelerated the prescriptive nature of Regimen. In early modernity, the concept intertwined with the rise of the nation-state and industrialization, becoming a tool for social engineering and the creation of disciplined workforces. Twentieth-century developments in experimental philosophy and moral psychology, along with landmark thought experiments like the trolley problem and the wason test, have highlighted the complex interplay of moral reasoning, cognitive bias, and societal norms that underpin our understanding of Regimen. The morality game and the ethics game have similarly been important tools and developments, leading some like Peter Singer to advocate for utilitarianism, and others (like Judith Jarvis) to argue for a deontology informed by Kantian ethics and the categorical imperative. Is our obsession with optimizing our lives a reflection of a deeper existential insecurity? Or is it a quest for control within an increasingly chaotic world, pushing the boundaries of free will against the relentless pressures of determinism?
Today, Regimen finds itself resurrected in the language of self-care and biohacking, co-opted by both wellness gurus and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. The enduring allure of Regimen lies in its promise of control, of mastering one's self and destiny, yet it also serves as a potent reminder of the societal structures that shape our desires and limitations. The pursuit of Regimen thus becomes, not just a personal choice, but a reflection of the complex dynamics between individual agency and external forces, blurring the line between freedom and constraint, inviting all of us to question the very definition of "self."