What we’re about
The Global Agora is facilitated by City College of New York philosopher Massimo Pigliucci. It is based on the principle that philosophy is a conversation aimed at improving our lives. Every meeting (usually online) focuses on a topic in practical philosophy as understood by the Stoics and other Greco-Roman schools. Discussions are often based on a short suggested reading. As Epicurus put it, “Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Athens Practical Philosophy Workshop: Aristotle and StoicismPhilippos Hotel, Athina$250.00
Cicero claimed that there was no fundamental difference between Aristotelianism and Stoicism, and he wasn't the only one, in both ancient and modern times. Is that true? Let's take a look at Aristotle's philosophy and compare it with that of the Stoics, to see what we can learn from both about living a eudaimonic life, a life worth living.
Massimo will facilitate the workshop together with two colleagues and friends: Rob Colter (University of Wyoming) and John Sellars (Royal Holloway, London).
Suggested readings:
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life, by Massimo Pigliucci
Aristotle: Understanding the World's Greatest Philosopher, by John Sellars
Location: Philippos Hotel, Athens, Greece.
Discounted rooms available at the Philippos Hotel and at the nearby Herodion Hotel in historic Athens. Discount available until 31 March 2023.
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Program
(tentative, subject to change, please check back)Thursday, November 16
5-8pm: The origins of Aristotelianism and Stoicism
Friday, November 17
9am-12pm: Stoic physics and logic (coffee break in the middle)
12pm-2pm: Lunch break at nearby eateries
2pm-6pm: Aristotle's physics and logic (coffee break in the middle)
Evening: group dinner (facultative)
Saturday, November 18
9am-12pm: Stoic ethics (coffee break in the middle)
12pm-2pm: Lunch break at nearby eateries
2pm-6pm: Aristotle's ethics (coffee break in the middle)
Evening: dinner in small groups
Sunday, November 19
All day excursion by bus to Delphi, included in the workshop's fee.
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About the facilitators:
Robert S. Colter is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Wyoming; the Founder and Director of the Wyoming Stoic Camp; and the Co-Director of Wyoming Pathways from Prison. More here.
John Sellars is a Reader in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London (where he is an Associate Editor for the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle project), and a Member of Common Room at Wolfson College, Oxford (where he was once a Junior Research Fellow). More here.
Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His new book is The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books). More here.
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Fee: $250/person, which cover expenses related to the room, coffee breaks, and Delphi trip.
Refund (minus processing fee) if: (i) the workshop is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 15 August 2023.
- The discipline of desire & aversion: how to reset our values & disvaluesLink visible for attendees
One of the fundamental ideas in Stoicism is Epictetus's notion that we need to practice three disciplines of ethical self-improvement: desire & aversion, action, and assent.
Join us to discuss the theory and some of the practice behind the first ones of these disciplines: desire & aversion, which is about resetting our priorities, our values and disvalues, our whole way of looking at what is good and evil in life.
Suggested reading: The discipline of desire, or amor fati.
Zoom link: will be shared via email shortly before the beginning of the meetup. Make sure you are signed up to receive emails from event organizers!
Please plan to log in about five minutes before the meeting. Also note that the zoom room will be locked five minutes after the beginning of the event for security reasons, so come on time!
- Syracuse Practical Philosophy Workshop: Plato, Cicero, and political philosophyDomus Mariae Benessere, Siracusa, SR$200.00
Syracuse was the most powerful polis in Magna Grecia, a rival to Athens and then Rome. Two major philosophers visited at very different times in the history of the city: Plato and Cicero.
Both were interested in political philosophy. Plato wrote the Republic and went to Syracuse to see if he could put his ideas into practice with the aid of two local rulers, Dionysius I and II. Cicero wrote De Republica in direct response to Plato, and was in Syracuse during his tenure as Quaestor of Sicily.
Massimo will facilitate a workshop focusing on Plato's and Cicero's very different approaches to practical political philosophy, raising questions about how we, in the 21st century, should manage our own "public thing," as the Latins called the State.
Suggested readings:
Plato at Syracuse, edited by H.L. Reid and M.A. Ralkowski.
How to Run a Country: An Ancient Guide for Modern Leaders, by CiceroLocation: Domus Mariae Benessere, Via Vittorio Veneto 89, Syracuse, Italy.
Accommodations: I suggest, if possible, to book at the Domus Mariae Benessere (where the workshop will take place) or at the Domus Mariae Hotel (Via Vittorio Veneto 76, across the street, seaside views). However, there are plenty of other hotels in the Ortigia area of Syracuse, for instance this one, very close to the venue. You can also book an Airbnb in the same area.
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Program
(tentative, subject to change, please check back)Wednesday, June 5
9am-12pm: What is political philosophy, anyway? Platonists, Stoics, and others
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Plato at Syracuse
7pm-8pm: aperitivo and philosophy chat
Thursday, June 6
9am-12pm: Plato at Syracuse, continued
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Cicero in Sicily
8pm-10pm: group dinner (facultative)
Friday, June 7
9am-12pm: Cicero in Sicily, continued
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Plato vs Cicero, what have we learned?
7pm-8pm: aperitivo and philosophy chat
Saturday, June 8
Morning: excursion to the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (facultative). You may get a combo ticket that includes the Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi.
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Logistics
I suggest you check Rick Steves' guide to Sicily to plan your travels.
In June the Ancient Greek theater hosts performances of Greek tragedies (in Italian). If you are interested in attending one, check this site.
To get to Syracuse: fly into Catania (Fontanarossa) and take the bus for Syracuse from the airport (every one, about one hour drive).
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About the facilitator:
Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His most recent book is The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books). More here.
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Fee: $200/person.
Refund (minus processing fee) if: (i) the workshop is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 4 January 2024.
