What we’re about
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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Beyond Stoicism: Bringing Ancient Insights to Modern LifePhiladelphia Ethical Society, Philadelphia, PA
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 - The Art of Living: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern LifePhiladelphia Ethical Society, Philadelphia, PA
The Philly Stoa invites you to join us as we explore The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature and Function of Philosophy and discover how ancient philosophy was understood as an art of living. We’ll examine the Stoic view of philosophy’s purpose, tracing its roots to Socrates and considering challenges raised by Skeptics. Our discussion will include readings from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, offering a practical perspective on what it means to live philosophically. This approach offers a lasting alternative to the modern tendency to treat philosophy as a natural science and encourages us to reflect on how personal philosophy connects to living well.
While it is helpful to read The Art of Living in advance, it is not required to participate. Copies are available at The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature and Function of Philosophy.
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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.
