Roman Stoicism, first published in 1911, offers an authoritative introduction to this fascinating chapter in the history of Western philosophy, which throughout the 20th century has been rediscovered and rehabilitated among philosophers, theologians and intellectual historians.
Stoicism played a significant part in Roman history via the public figures who were its adherents (Seneca is perhaps the most famous); and, as it became more widely accepted, it assumed the features of a religion. The Stoic approach to physics, the universe, divine providence, ethics, law and humanity are all investigated, as is its diffuse impact upon literature.
The origins of Christianity are also examined. Arnold offers a sympathetic reading of St. Paul in light of Stoicism, and regards the latter as the crucial bridge between Antiquity and Christendom: it allowed a swathe of Pagan intellectuals to join the Church and influenced the development of Christian doctrine, thus making an immense contribution to the bedrock of modern European civilisation.
1. The World-Religions 2. Heraclitus and Socrates 3. The Academy and the Porch 4. The Preaching of Stoicism 5. The Stoic Sect in Rome 6. Of Reason and Speech 7. The Foundations of Physics 8. The Universe 9. The Supreme Problems 10. Religion 11. The Kingdom of the Soul 12. The Law for Humanity 13. Daily Duties 14. Sin and Weakness 15. Counsels of Perfection 16. Stoicism in Roman History and Literature 17. The Stoic Strain in Christianity; Bibliography: I. Ancient Writers and Philosophers II. Modern Writers; General Index; Greek Index
Biography
Edward Arnold
