Distinguished Scholar Series: Rob Colter

Join us for our monthly conversation with a scholar in Modern Stoicism or another branch of philosophy. This month, we welcome Rob Colter, Senior Lecturer and Department Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wyoming, and a leading voice in bringing ancient Stoic wisdom into contemporary practice.

Rob founded and directs Wyoming Stoic Camp, an immersive experiment in living like a Stoic set against the backdrop of the Wyoming Rocky Mountains. Since 2014, this unique gathering has brought together participants from across the USA and Europe for intensive study of central Stoic texts, including Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses, and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, complemented by early morning hikes, philosophical practices, and the opportunity to explore what it truly means to "live in agreement with nature."

Rob is also the Executive Director of Wyoming Pathways from Prison, a prison education program where he teaches Stoicism to incarcerated individuals, demonstrating the transformative power of philosophy in challenging circumstances. Additionally, he co-hosts the Philosophy as a Way of Life podcast with Massimo Pigliucci, featuring conversations about living philosophically with Stoicism at the heart.

In our conversation, Rob will explore:

• How Stoicism offers practical wisdom for navigating turbulent modern times—politically, economically, and technologically
• The liberating power of the Stoic theory of emotion and the practice of "examining our impressions."
• Managing difficult situations, challenging people, and emotional reactivity through Stoic principles
• Living with greater integrity and making virtuous decisions in everyday life
• Insights from his decades of teaching and practicing Stoicism, both in academia and with diverse populations, from college students to inmates

Rob has been studying and teaching Stoicism for decades and has found that these ancient ideas can be powerful tools for improving one's life today. Since then, his work has focused on exploring the relationship between philosophical theory and practical living.

Our group fosters open-minded, respectful dialogue on Stoicism and its intersections with science, culture, history, other belief systems, and popular culture. We are committed to thoughtful discussion and intellectual growth. When views differ, we agree to disagree.

The conversation will be hosted by Joe Bullock, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can ask Rob their questions directly.

We look forward to an engaging discussion with someone who truly lives what he teaches!

Learn more about Rob Colter:

• Personal website: https://robcolter.wixsite.com/mysite
• University of Wyoming faculty page: https://www.uwyo.edu/philrelig/faculty/philosophy/colter.html
• Wyoming Stoic Camp: http://www.uwyo.edu/philrelig/events/stoic-camp/
• Wyoming Pathways from Prison: https://www.uwyo.edu/wpfp/
• Stoicon speaker interview: https://modernstoicism.com/stoicon-speaker-interview-rob-colter/