The Discourses of Epictetus, episode 1

Beginning this month we are going to start a series featuring an in-depth look at the Discourses of Epictetus, a book that has literally changed my life and that I think is one of the most important of the entire Western philosophical canon, if not of philosophy worldwide.

The idea is to slowly and deliberately make our way through all four extant books of the Discourses (unfortunately, four more books have been lost), taking our time to discuss what Epictetus says, why he says it, and whether it may be helpful to us denizens of the 21st century. This may take a long time and a good number of meetings, so pace yourselves!

I recommend the Robin Waterfield translation of Epictetus, published in 2024 by the University of Chicago Press. It is, I think, by far the best modern translaton available.

This first meeting will begin, of course, with Discourses 1 and continue as far as we can get to in an hour. It would be helpful if you could read the text ahead!

Please note that the zoom link will be shared with registered atteendess via Meetup email, so make sure your settings allow for communications from Organizers. Also, for security reasons (i.e., reducing the chances of "zoom bombing"), the meeting will be locked five minutes after starting time, no exceptions. Please be on time!