Ciò che siamo
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.”
Prossimi eventi (3)
Visualizza tutto- [Reading Group] Roles, Relationships & Partialism in Epictetus’ Ethical ThoughtLink visibile ai partecipanti
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Over the past two months, we've explored the concept of role ethics in Stoicism -- how one can derive appropriate actions based on one's role. Specifically, we've taken a look at both Ariston's and Panaetius's versions of role ethics. At this meetup, we'll end our exploration or role ethics by diving into arguably the most fleshed-out and nuanced version of it found in Stoicism: that of Epictetus.
To prepare for the meetup, please read Christof Rapp's Roles, Relationships and Partialism in Epictetus' Ethical Thought, which not only gives a solid overview of Epictetus's role ethics, but also touches on the idea of partialism in ethics (that treating those close to you may be permitted, or perhaps required). You can access the full text for free here.
We'll be assuming you did the reading at this meetup, so if you didn't, it's likely you'll be left behind!
- What, if any, is the difference between religion and philosophy?Link visibile ai partecipanti
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!
- Rome Practical Philosophy Seminar: Stoicism and politicsHotel Atlantico, Rome250,00 USD
We live in times of social and political turmoil. So did the Stoics two millennia ago. Is there any guidance they could give us about how to navigate that kind of challenge? It is often said that the Stoics did not have much to contribute to discussions of politics, because Stoicism is an inward-looking, personal philosophy. But is that really the case?
Join John Sellars and Massimo Pigliucci for an exploration of Stoicism and politics, with the aim not just to learn from the ancients, but to figure out, together, reason-based approaches to what is happening around the world right now.
Suggested readings:
Seneca’s On Clemency and On Benefits.
Cicero’s On Duties.
Epictetus’s Discourses.
Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.<<>>
Location: Hotel Atlantico (Cavour room), Via Cavour 23, Rome (Italy).
This event is sponsored by the Stoa Nova school for a new Stoicism, and will be facilitated by two of its faculty.
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Program
Friday, January 9
9am-12pm: Introduction—Stoicism and politics. Political thought before the Stoics, engagement versus retirement, cosmopolitanism.
12pm-3pm: Lunch break, eateries nearby.
3pm-6pm: Cicero (and Panaetius)—On Duties.
7pm-10pm: Dinner in small groups, philosophy chats.
Saturday, January 10
9am-12pm: Seneca—On Clemency and On Benefits.
12pm-3pm: Lunch break, eateries nearby.
3pm-6pm: Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius—Selections from Discourses and Meditations.
7pm-10pm: Social dinner, location TBA.
Sunday, January 11
9am-12pm: The Stoic Opposition—Stoicism and tyranny.
12pm-2pm: Lunch break, eateries nearby.
Afternoon: Half-day excursion to either the Roman Forum (if the weather is good) or Palazzo Massimo and the Baths of Diocletian. (Both latter locations are part of the Roman National Museum, only one ticket needed).
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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). 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. Payment by PayPal (PLEASE pick the “friends” not “business” option to avoid a processing fee).
Refund (minus Meetup and PayPal processing fees) if: (i) the seminar is canceled; or (ii) if you cancel by midnight (ET) on 9 November 2025.
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