About us
Founded in 2018, Philadelphia Stoa is a philosophical community focused on applying Stoic philosophy to modern challenges. As a registered non-profit organization, our vision centers on inspiring individuals to apply virtue in their daily lives as a path to personal flourishing.
The purpose of our Meetup group is to introduce Stoic philosophy to anyone interested in living a happier and more fulfilling life and to help students of Stoicism practice the philosophy in their daily lives.
Stoicism is a practical philosophy for guiding people in living a good life through cultivating personal excellence, or virtue. Having flourished in ancient Greece and Rome, Stoicism is experiencing a resurgence of popularity today as a result of its value in helping people realize more tranquility and joy amid the complexity of the modern world. Stoicism involves focusing on what we can control in life and not worrying about things we cannot control, enhancing healthy emotions through reasoned judgement, and treating all of humanity with compassion and respect.
Our meetings support people in increasing their knowledge of Stoicism and applying it in their daily lives. Meetings include discussions of Stoic writings, modern interpretations of Stoic concepts, and the Stoic perspectives on problems people may have. We hold meetings three times a month, usually on the second and fourth Sunday and the third Monday of each month. The topic agenda is different for each monthly meeting.
For more information, please visit www.philadelphiastoa.org.
Featured event
America at 250: Stoic Virtue and the Future of the American Experiment
On October 24, 2026 at the Historical Society of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Stoa will host a free public conference bringing together leading historians, philosophers, legal scholars, and civic leaders. Each speaker will investigate: How our US Constitution along with Stoic Philosophy can uphold our democracy in light of technological disruption, institutional distrust, and civic fragmentation.
Dr. Sophia Rosenfeld: Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gregory Sadler: President of ReasonIO; Philosophy Faculty, Marquette University.
Kermit Roosevelt III. J.D.: David Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Ward Farnsworth. J.D. : W. Page Keeton Chair in Law, Former Dean of University of Texas School of Law
Delegate Cliff Hayes: Virginia General Assembly, Chair of key committees on technology policy and government operations
Dr. Massimo Pigliucci: K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy, The City College of New York.
Advance registration is required. Please click the following link for more detail and to register for this Conference.
https://luma.com/9ghyl138
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
- Location: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Upcoming events
4
How To Be a Happy Skeptic
Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, USCome join the Philly Stoa as we continue our series on How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic with Chapter 3 How to Be a Good Citizen.
Once we ask what is worth caring about, another question follows: What do we owe to one another? We constantly divide our lives between what is good for us and what is good for others: career, wealth, family, friends, community, and country. But if we are social beings by nature, is that division real, or only an illusion?
This chapter turns skepticism toward a civic question: How do we live a life of duty, engagement, and contribution to the common good?
You are welcome whether or not you have read the chapter in advance.This series is part of the ongoing partnership between the Philly Stoa and the Philadelphia Ethical Society, and our aim is to practice philosophy as a lived discipline through thoughtful discussion and shared reflection. Reading the book is recommended, but not required.
- How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life, Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRDZ9KN5
- How to Be a Happy Skeptic with Massimo Pigliucci
6 attendees
Seneca's Thyestes: A Mythic Exploration
1 Village Drive, 1 Village Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA, King of Prussia, PA, USJoin us in the third and final installment of Seneca's Thyestes.
In the first act, we set the stage and explored the philosophical back drop in which the play transpires. In the second act, we explored the mythic foundation upon which the play is built. In the third and final act, we dig into the play itself.
Walk with us as we discuss Thyestes and the house of Atreus. A depiction of the ruin which results from a disordered soul devoured by appetite, devoid of Wisdom.
Handouts will be provided for discussion. Participants are encouraged to read or listen to one of the links provided below. Many other translations abound, all are welcome. Optional lunch will follow discussion, cheers!
Theoi Classical Texts Library (easiest to read online): theoi.com/Text/SenecaThyestes.html. This is Miller's 1917 Loeb Classical Library translation, presented as plain web text.
Wikisource (the earlier verse version): Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller. This is Miller's first translation, published in 1907 and later revised for the Loeb edition in 1917. He rendered the spoken parts in English blank verse and sometimes kept the original meters in the choral odes. Thyestes is on page 287.
Audio: LibriVox has a free full-cast recording of the Miller translation.
4 attendeesAmerica at 250: Stoic Virtue and the Future of the American Experiment
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, USOn October 24, 2026 at the Historical Society of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Stoa will host a free public conference bringing together leading historians, philosophers, legal scholars, and civic leaders. Each speaker will investigate: How our US Constitution along with Stoic Philosophy can uphold our democracy in light of technological disruption, institutional distrust, and civic fragmentation.
Dr. Sophia Rosenfeld: Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gregory Sadler: President of ReasonIO; Philosophy Faculty, Marquette University.
Kermit Roosevelt III. J.D.: David Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Ward Farnsworth. J.D. : W. Page Keeton Chair in Law, Former Dean of University of Texas School of Law
Delegate Cliff Hayes: Virginia General Assembly, Chair of key committees on technology policy and government operations
Dr. Massimo Pigliucci: K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy, The City College of New York.Advance registration is required. Please click the following link for more detail and to register for this Conference.
https://luma.com/9ghyl138Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
- Location: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
18 attendees
Past events
312
