Stoa Nova School, 6th edition

Join us for the 6th edition of the Stoa Nova School! Because of the ongoing pandemic, the School has been reschedule online (we'll get back to Rome and other real locations as soon as possible!)

This edition we will focus on "The early Stoics and their rivals," a look at the first Stoa (Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus), as well as some of the other major philosophical schools of the time (Epicureanism, Cynicism, etc.).

Program -- times refer to the Eastern / New York time zone:

Monday, 22 June 2020, 8am-12pm

Introduction to the course, discussion of Diogenes Laertius' summary of Stoic philosophy.

Biographies and contributions of Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, and others.

Tuesday, 23 June 2020, 8am-12pm

The source of it all: Socrates and his philosophy.

Stoicism's cousin: Cynicism. Also: Stoicism's rivals: the Epicureans.

Wednesday, 24 June 2020, 8am-12pm: What have we learned? What difference does it make? General discussion.

Textbooks:

Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, by Diogenes Laertius, Delphi Classics, 2009. This edition is available in electronic format only. (https://www.delphiclassics.com/shop/diogenes-laertius/)

You can also use the translation by Pamela Mensch, Oxford University Press, 2018. (https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780190862176)

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life, by Massimo Pigliucci, Basic Books, 2017. (https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781541644533)

List of readings from Lives of the Eminent Philosophers:

Socrates, II.18-47

Cynics:

Anthistenes, VI.1-19
Diogenes, VI.20-81
Crates, VI.85-93
Hipparchia, VI.96-98

Stoics:

Zeno, VII.1-160
Ariston, VII.161-164
Herillus, VII.165-166
Dionysius, VII.167
Cleanthes, VII.168-176
Sphaerus, VII.177-178
Chrysippus, VII.179-202

Epicurus, X