Philadelphia Stoa

In the following months Philadelphia Stoa will be reading “Beyond Stoicism A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans and Other Ancient Philosophers” written by Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez, and Meredith Alexander Kunz. Published January 7th 2025.

The purpose of this book is help create a meaningful life. Our authors attempt this by drawing inspiration from thirteen prominent philosophers of Ancient Greece and Roman. Each chapter combine glimpses into a philosopher’s life with an exploration of the thinker’s practical philosophy closing with exercises for putting his or her teachings to work for us.

Last month we continued “The Port of Character” with The Roman Stoic Philosopher Epictetus (55-135 AD). Chapter 4 is called “Focus On What’s Up To You With Epictetus”. Epictetus was born as a slave. In fact, his name indicates his status “acquired”. Although he was a slave, he learn Stoic philosophy from a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus. Epictetus stated one of the most important rules of life concerning Stoic philosophy, which is known as the dichotomy of control. According to Epictetus: Some things are up to us, while others are not. Up to us are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not up to us are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.

This month we will continue with “The Port of Character” with Hipparchia of Maroneia (350-250 BC). Chapter 5 is called, “Be A Rebel Like Hipparchia”. Hipparchia was the young wife of the Cynic philosopher Crates, who was the student of Diogenes of Sinope. Hipparchia was a rebel in the sense of being free from social convention (eleutheria). She advocated for her own self-education instead of being a woman who just stays at home washing clothes and raising children. The Philosophy of Cynicism is a precursor to Stoicism. Cynics argued that to live virtuously is to practice virtue everywhere and at all times. This can be achieved if one adopts a natural, and ascetic lifestyle… a kind of self-sufficiency (autarkeia). Furthermore, to be natural is to be free from social norms (eleutheria). And lastly this freedom cannot be had unless one is free to reason and to speak freely (parrhesia). When Diogenes of Sinope, was asked what is the most beautiful thing in the world he replied parrhesia.

In general our meetings will be divided into two parts. The first part I will briefly review their theoretical arguments of the thinkers… here I expect questions will be raised. The next part will involve group work. Our authors have provided various sets of exercises to practice.

One copy of the book will be provided to be purchased. You can also purchase the book via Amazon (see link below). Also Please see the video of our Authors discussing their new book with Professor Gregory Sadler.