November 22
Monday, November 22, 2021Plenary
Stoic Therapy: Self-Care and Care for Others
In this class we continue our study of Roman Stoicism, beginning with the distinction the Stoics drew between their approach to the good life and the approach of their main rival philosophical school, Epicureanism. We'll then move on to consider the Stoics' views on civic engagement, the relation between fate and free will, and their understanding of healthy and unhealthy emotions. At the end of class we will examine various challenges to Stoicism as well as the rise of the Modern Stoicism movement.
Goals
Goals
- Understand how the Stoics looked to distinguish their views in ethics from Epicureanism
- Explore what it might mean to be a “Stoic activist”
- Consider how the Stoics approached the problem of free will and their understanding of healthy and unhealthy emotions
- Become familiar with the influence of the Stoics in modern times and the revival of their views in the Modern Stoicism movement
Before Class
- A conversation with Nancy Sherman for Stoicon 2021 covering various issues from her recent book, Stoic Wisdom, including the Stoics’ views on emotions and other misreadings of their understanding of the good life
- As you read Seneca’s letters for today’s class, consider how his views in ethics connect with the views developed by Epictetus in last week’s reading and the core principles of Stoicism discussed in last week’s lecture.
- Live Like a Stoic Week starts today and continues through Thanksgiving Break!
After Class
Further Resources
Further Resources
- “Seneca” – entry from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Katja Vogt)
- “Marcus Aurelius Helped Me Survive Grief and Rebuild My Life” – moving essay for Aeon Magazine on the Stoics’ advice for dealing with grief (Jamie Lombardi)
- “If You’re Reading Stoicism for Life Hacks, You’re Missing the Point” – op-ed piece for the NYT on what Modern Stoics need to know about Ancient Stoicism (Nancy Sherman)
- Website for Modern Stoicism
- Slides from today’s lecture