What we’re about
The Global Stoa is an initiative of the School for a New Stoicism. The meetings are facilitated by City College of New York philosopher Massimo Pigliucci. The group 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 inspired by a short suggested reading. As Epicurus (not a Stoic!) put it, “Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”
Upcoming events (4)
See all- [NYC Stoics Reading Group] Ariston of Chios and the Sage as ActorLink visible for attendees
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Last month, we explored the concept of role ethics, which is a major way practicing Stoics can determine appropriate actions. While our focus so far has been on Panaetius's and Epictetus's versions of role ethics, the idea may have had early roots in the Early Stoa.
The heterodox Stoic Ariston of Chios rejected Zeno's innovation of preferred and dispreferred indifferents. Furthermore, he suggested that virtue is instantiated by the ability to play any role equally well.
At this meetup, we'll explore Ariston's version of role ethics, and how it ties in with Stoic indifference. To prepare, please read Brian Marrin's paper: Ariston of Chios and the Sage as Actor: On the Stoic Concept of Persona. You can download a draft version for free here. Also come prepared with any questions or comments concerning the reading.
We'll be assuming you did the reading at this meetup, so if you didn't, it's likely you'll be left behind!
- Athens Practical Philosophy Seminar: Beyond StoicismPhilippos Hotel, Athens$200.00
What is a good life? And how can we create that life in a world filled with uncertainty? We invite you to find your own answers to these big questions with help from thirteen of the most prominent Greco-Roman philosophers. By taking cues from the lives and ideas of the Cynics, Epicureans, and others, you’ll learn to:
- Seek pleasure with Aristippus
- Strike the right balance with Aristotle
- Focus on what’s up to you with Epictetus
- Be a rebel like Hipparchia
- Embrace uncertainty with Carneades
- Question everything with Socrates
- Work toward a just society with Plato
Times have changed, but the quest for eudaimonia—a life worth living—stays the same: We still seek pleasure and crave love, avoid pain and fear death. That’s why all these ancient sages can continue to guide us today.
Suggested reading:
Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers, by M. Pigliucci, G. Lopez, and M. Alexander Kunz, The Experiment.
UK version: Live Like a Philosopher—What the Ancient Greeks and Romans Can Teach Us About Living a Happy Life.
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Location: Philippos Hotel, Mitseon 3, Athens 117 42, Greece.
This event is sponsored by the Stoa Nova school for a new Stoicism, and will be facilitated by three of its faculty.
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Program
Thursday, June 26
3pm-6pm: The three ports—pleasure, character, and doubt
8pm-10pm: dinner in small groups, philosophy chats
Friday, June 27
9am-12pm: Exploring the port of pleasure—Aristippus and Epicurus
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Exploring the port of character—Aristotle, Epictetus, Hipparchia, and Plato
9:15pm-whatever: social dinner at Point Restaurant (rooftop of the Herodion Hotel)
Saturday, June 28
9am-12pm: Exploring the port of doubt—Socrates, Protagoras, Carneades, and Pyrrho
12pm-3pm: lunch break, eateries nearby
3pm-6pm: Here be dragons—Pythagoras, Stilpo, and Hypatia
8pm-10pm: dinner in small groups, philosophy chats
Sunday, June 29
Half-day excursion (with lunch) to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, where the Ionian and Aegean seas meet.
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About the facilitators:
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 Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers (with Greg Lopez and Meredith Kunz, The Experiment). More here.
Meredith Alexander Kunz is a writer who created The Stoic Mom blog in 2016 to explore how parents and kids can benefit from practicing Stoic philosophy (now on Substack). She is a communications leader in Silicon Valley and a personal and professional development coach. Meredith earned a bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard College and a master’s degree in history from Stanford University. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, The San Francisco Daily Journal, The Industry Standard, The Stanford Report, The STOIC magazine, the Stoicism Today blog, and more. With Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez, she co-authored the new book Beyond Stoicism (in UK: Live Like a Philosopher).
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Fee: $200/person. Payment will not be automatic, you will be contacted by the host with instructions. Your rsvp is tentative until we have received your fee. Thank you!
Refund (minus processing fee) if: (i) the seminar is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 25 March 2025.
- [NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangoutPier 57, New York, NY
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Come join us for in-person Stoic discussion!
Here's our agenda for this meetup:
4-5pm: informal, optional hangout:
- Grab some food from Market 57 and let's just hang out and chat about whatever. It's okay to skip this part if you just want to come for the Stoicism
5-7pm: The main event:
- Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
- Deep read of Enchiridion 25: we'll read through Enchiridion 25 together and share our main practical takeaways. (You can compare multiple public domain translations here: https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/)
You're welcome to come only for the Stoic discussion from 5-7pm, or just show up at 4pm for the more open hangout and discussion.
Notes on the venue: We'll be in Oyster Classroom in Pier 57 (25 11th Ave New York, NY 10011), which I reserved just for our group. Outside food is not permitted, but food from the nearby Market 57 is. Here's a map of the interior of Pier 57: go to Oyster Classroom.
- What, if any, is the difference between religion and philosophy?Link visible for attendees
Philosophies of life, religions, what’s the difference? Turns out, there are many similarities between the two, but also some important differences. Let’s get together for a discussion about the nature of belief and faith as both impact the way we live.
Suggested reading: What, if any, is the difference between religion and philosophy?, from Massimo’s Substack, Figs in Winter (free download).
Zoom link: available on this page.
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!
![[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Ariston of Chios and the Sage as Actor cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/4/9/7/event_528230327.webp "[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Ariston of Chios and the Sage as Actor")
![[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/4/8/5/event_524450309.webp "[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout")
