About us
‘The Global Stoa’ was established on 18 January 2007 by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci (City College of New York). The group is devoted to foster a worldwide community of people who see philosophy (not just Stoicism) as a way of life. The goal is to explore how philosophy can be helpful in everyday life, to foster rational thinking, and to develop a human community rooted in reason. More about Massimo here and here.
Upcoming events
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Epictetus on how to behave with tyrants
·OnlineOnlineWe continue our series featuring an in-depth look at the Discourses of Epictetus, a book that has literally changed my life and that I think is one of the most important of the entire Western philosophical canon, if not of philosophy worldwide.
I recommend the Robin Waterfield translation of Epictetus, published in 2024 by the University of Chicago Press. However, a free version, based on the W.A. Oldfather translation from 1925, is available at Wikisource.
This time we will discuss Discourses 1.19, "The proper attitude to have toward tyrants," where Epictetus explains why tyrants are nothing to a Stoic. [Bonus points if you recognize the scene depicted in the image accompanying this announcement.] Should there be time, we will go on to talk about Discourses 1.20, "On reason and its ability to examine itself."
Please note that the zoom link will be shared with registered attendees on this page on the morning of the event, so make sure to check it before attempting to log in. Also, for security reasons (i.e., reducing the chances of "zoom bombings"), please do not share the link outside our group! Thanks!
79 attendees
America at 250: Stoic Virtue and the Future of the American Experiment
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, USOn October 24, 2026, the Philadelphia Stoa will host an in-person public conference bringing together leading historians, philosophers, legal scholars, and civic leaders to explore virtue, citizenship, and self-government in the American experiment.
Drawing on Stoic philosophy, the U.S. Constitution, and the ideas that shaped the nation’s founding, speakers will explore how reason, character, self-command, and responsibility can help sustain democracy in an age of technological disruption, institutional distrust, and civic fragmentation.
A healthy society depends not only on good laws and institutions, but also on the character and judgment of its citizens. Together, we will consider what self-government requires of each of us and how we can strengthen the virtues, institutions, and communities that make it possible. The conference is intended to spur future discussion, research, and collaboration around these questions well beyond the event itself.
Featured Speakers
- Dr. Sophia Rosenfeld, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania
- Dr. Gregory Sadler, President of ReasonIO and 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 and Former Dean, 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
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM EDT
Location: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Format: In-person conferenceAdvance registration is required. Please visit the conference page for additional details and to register:
https://luma.com/9ghyl13813 attendees
Past events
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