About us
‘The Global Stoa’ was established on 18 January 2007 by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci (City College of New York). The group is devoted to foster a worldwide community of people who see philosophy (not just Stoicism) as a way of life. The goal is to explore how philosophy can be helpful in everyday life, to foster rational thinking, and to develop a human community rooted in reason. More about Massimo here and here.
Upcoming events
2
The Discourses of Epictetus, episode 3
·OnlineOnlineWe continue our 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, 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 meeting will begin by tackling Discourses 1.3, "How one may proceed from the fact that God is the father of humankind to its consequences" and continue as far as we can get to in two hours, probably including 1.4, "On progress." It would be helpful if you could read the text ahead!
Please note that the zoom link will be shared with registered atteendess on this page on the morning of the event, so make sure to check it before attempting to log in. Also, for security reasons (i.e., reducing the chances of "zoom bombing"), please do not share the link outside our group! Thanks!
91 attendees- $262.50
Turin Practical Philosophy Retreat: Cicero and the Stoics
University of Turin, Via Giulio di Barolo 3, Turin, ITThroughout history it has always been true that people don’t know as much as they think they do. The ancient Greeks and Romans formulated an approach to life based on this notion. They recognized that adjusting our beliefs to the evidence while keeping in mind that we could be mistaken is the path to a just society—and a happy and meaningful life.
During this retreat we will adopt the ancient Roman public advocate, orator, statesman, and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero as our guide to reveal the benefits of cultivating curiosity and doubt in the pursuit of a life worth living. Cicero’s skeptical philosophy is more relevant than ever in our current age of misinformation.
Join Rob Colter, John Sellars and Massimo Pigliucci for an exploration of Cicero’s life and works, during which we will examine the foundations for a good life, from how to formulate our values to how to nurture friendships; from being a good citizen and fighting for social justice to handling grief, pain, and even death. Skepticism as a philosophy was developed during a time of violence, social upheaval, and political turmoil. Taking a page from Cicero’s book, we, too, can adopt a practical philosophy of reason and learn to live well through uncertain times.
Suggested readings: How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic–The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life–Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy, by Massimo Pigliucci, Penguin, 2026.
How to Run a Country: An Ancient Guide for Modern Leaders, by Cicero, translated by Philip Freeman
How to Be a Friend: An Ancient Guide to True Friendship, by Cicero, translated by Philip Freeman
How to Grow Old: Ancient Wisdom for the Second Half of Life, by Cicero, translated by Philip Freeman
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Location: University of Turin, Italy. Room: Sala Pellegrino, third floor of the Erik Peterson Library, University of Turin, Via Giulio di Barolo 3, Turin.
Accomodations: we recommend the Santa Giulia Hotel & Residence, Via Santa Giulia 41, Turin. We don't know what availability there is, so it's best to book early. Failing that, you can center on the Santa Giulia location for a search of alternative hotels and Airbnb's.
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Program
Thursday, 4 June
Morning session: Why Cicero? His time, life, and philosophy (Massimo)
Afternoon session: How do we know? (Academica) and What's important? (De Finibus) (John)
Friday, 5 June
Morning session: How to be a good citizen (De Officiis) and a just society (De Re Publica, De Legibus) (John)
Afternoon session: How to be a good friend (De Amicitia) and age well (De Senectute) (Massimo)
Saturday, 6 June
Morning session: How to grieve (Tusculan Disputations III) and how to face pain and death (Tusculan Disputations I & II) (Rob)
Afternoon: After lunch excursion to the Museum of Antiquities in Turin.
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About the facilitators:
Rob Colter is Senior Lecturer and Department Head in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wyoming. He received his PhD from Northwestern University in 2001. Rob’s research focuses on Ancient Philosophy and Philosophical Pedagogy. In addition to teaching at UW, he also organizes an annual Stoic Camp for public attendance and is Director of Wyoming Pathways from Prison, the university’s prison education program.
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 How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic–The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life–Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy. He is also the best selling author of How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life.
John Sellars is a Reader in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London (where he is currently program lead for Philosophy). He is a founder member of the London Centre for Ancient Philosophy. John is also a member of two non-profit organizations aimed at bringing the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to a wider audience, Modern Stoicism (of which he is the current Chair) and The Aurelius Foundation. John’s books include The Fourfold Remedy: Epicurus and the Art of Happiness (Allen Lane, 2022) and Lessons in Stoicism: What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us about How to Live (Allen Lane, 2019).
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Fee: $250/person + 5% PayPal fee = $262.50.
Refund (minus Meetup and PayPal processing fees) if: (i) the seminar is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 3 March 2026.
25 attendees
Past events
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