[NYC Stoics reading group] How dialectical was Stoic dialectic?
Overview
Grow your critical thinking in a thoughtful online group as you explore Stoic logic, dialectic, and lively discussion with fellow philosophy fans.
Details
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
The Stoics developed a system of valid reasoning and argumentation that nowadays we would call "logic". However, the ancients didn't call it this; instead, they called it "dialectic". This seems strange on its face. Dialectic comes from the Greek roots meaning "speaking between" and usually involves back and forth questioning amongst two or more people, like Socrates did with his interlocutors, and which seems mostly absent from Stoic dialectic. Yet no ancient sources ever called the Stoics out for mislabeling their system of reasoning. Why is that?
At this final online meetup of 2025, we'll conclude our study of Stoic logic by attempting to answer this question as well as explore the meaning and practice of dialectic more broadly.
To prepare for this meetup, please read Luca Castagnoli's chapter in Ancient Models of Mind: Studies in Human and Divine Rationality entitled How Dialectical was Stoic Dialectic in full and come prepared with any points you'd like to discuss or questions you may have. You can download the chapter for free here.