224 Pages
    by Routledge

    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    Stoicism was one of the most influential schools of philosophy in antiquity and its influence has persisted to the present day. Originating in Athens around 300 BCE, Stoicism flourished for some five hundred years and has remained a constant presence throughout the history of Western philosophy. As one of the most popular philosophies of the Roman world, its doctrines appealed to people from all strata of ancient society - from the slave Epictetus to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to this great philosophical school. As well as outlining the central philosophical ideas of Stoicism, it aims to introduce readers to the different ancient authors and sources that they will encounter when exploring Stoicism. This book begins by introducing the ancient Stoics and their works. It then considers how the Stoics themselves conceived philosophy and how they formulated their own philosophical system. The core chapters examine Stoic philosophical doctrines in depth, taking each division of Stoic theory in turn: logic, physics, and ethics. The final chapter provides a fascinating account of the Stoic legacy from later antiquity to the present. This book includes a glossary, chronology and guide to further reading, which, together with its accessible yet authoritative approach, make it an ideal introduction for students and general readers.

    Preface Sources and abbreviations Chronology 1. Introduction 2. The Stoic system 3. Stoic logic 4. Stoic physics 5. Stoic ethics 6. The Stoic legacy Glossary Guide to further reading References Index of passages Index

    Biography

    John Sellars is Lecturer in Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London. He is also the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle Project Officer at King's College London.