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- Syracuse Practical Philosophy Seminar: 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 seminar 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.
- Is, ought, and the roots of moralityLink visible for attendees
David Hume famously said that one cannot derive an ought from an is (i.e., a moral value from a fact). Or did he? Stoic ethics would seem to violate Hume's dictum, since it encourages to "live according to nature," by understanding and respecting facts about human beings as social biological organisms.
What gives? Join us for a discussion of the is/ought problem, how it relates to Greco-Roman philosophy, and what modern philosophers and scientists have to say about it.
Suggested reading: Is it true that you can’t derive an ought from an is?
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!
- The nine kinds of ethical lifeLink visible for attendees
There are many ways to live an ethical life. (And many to live an unethical one!) The ancient skeptic Carneades of Cyrene proposed a classification in nine basic types, depending on one's emphasis on pleasure, tranquillity, material possessions, and virtue.
Join us for a discussion of Carneades's nine kinds of ethical life. Let's try to figure out which one you are living, and perhaps which one you would be better off living!
Suggested reading: The nine kinds of ethical life
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!
