Beyond Stoicism: Bringing Ancient Insights to Modern Life

Join us at the Philadelphia Ethical Society for a session with Dr. Amjol Shrestha of Rowan University as we explore how ancient philosophies can guide us in navigating today’s world. This session continues our study of Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers by Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez, and Meredith Alexander Kunz. The book draws on the wisdom of thirteen philosophers from Ancient Greece and Rome, blending insights from their lives with practical teachings and exercises for creating a more meaningful life.

In June, we explored The Port of Character with Plato (428–348 BCE). Chapter 6, “Work Toward a Just Society With Plato,” examines how Plato, aware that Athenian democracy condemned Socrates, questioned whether a simple majority should decide the fate of individuals and societies. To him, this resembled mob rule. We discussed Plato’s view of justice as fairness, his disapproval of democracy, and his vision of a philosopher king trained in arete (virtue). For Plato, humans are social beings, and life improves when we embrace cooperation.

This month, we move to The Port of Doubt with Socrates (469–399 BCE), the Athenian “gadfly” who spent his life questioning what others claimed to know. Chapter 7, “Live Like Socrates,” introduces the man who asked hard questions about wisdom, justice, and virtue, questions that ultimately cost him his life. Socrates believed true wisdom begins with recognizing one’s ignorance, a lesson he pursued through probing dialogues in the Agora. He practiced philosophy as a way of life, guiding others toward self-knowledge and moral excellence. Our meeting will begin with a brief review of Socrates’ life and method, followed by group exercises to apply his approach to our thinking. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the meeting, or you can find it on Amazon here.
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This series is part of an ongoing partnership between the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Philly Stoa. The Philly Stoa hosts gatherings on the first and third Sunday of each month throughout the fall until the new year. We’ll continue exploring The Art of Living while also deepening our practice through the series Beyond Stoicism: Ancient Philosophies for Modern Times, which offers practical exercises to help bridge theory and everyday life.

The Philly Stoa is a 501(c)(3). To learn more or get involved, visit philadelphiastoa.org/contact.

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Meeting: Philadelphia Ethical Society on August 17th Sunday 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

Part III: The Port of Doubt
Chapter 7: Question Everything with Socrates