Stoicism: A Very Short Introduction

by Brad Inwood Narrated by Walter Dixon

Overview

Stoicism is two things: a long past philosophical school of ancient Greece and Rome, and an enduring philosophical movement that still inspires people in the twenty-first century to rethink and reorganize their lives in order to achieve personal satisfaction. What is the connection between them?



This Very Short Introduction provides an introductory account of Stoic philosophy, and tells the story of how ancient Stoicism survived and evolved into the movement we see today. Exploring the roots of the school in the philosophy of fourth century BCE Greece, Brad Inwood examines its basic history and doctrines and its relationship to the thought of Plato, Aristotle, and his successors, and the Epicureans. Sketching the history of the school's reception in the western tradition, he argues that, despite the differences between ancient and contemporary Stoics, there is a common core of philosophical insight that unites the modern version not just to Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius but also to the school's original founders, Zeno, Cleanthes, and Chrysippus. Inwood concludes by considering the place of Stoicism in modern life.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Stoicism... is a wonderful guidebook to the essential concepts and basic precepts animating this most popular of the Hellenistic schools of wisdom. Specialists eager for a refresher course will find no better place from which to launch a reexamination. This is an eminently useful addition to the "Very Short Introductions" series. Summing up: Highly recommended" — CHOICE

"Brad Inwood's 'short introduction' offers an incisive overview of how Stoicism developed - and why it might still be relevant." - Matthew Reisz, The Times Educational Supplement

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176735901
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	12/27/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

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