Should Stoicism Be Updated?: A Conversation with Massimo Pigliucci
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2020
- Should Stoicism be updated? And if so, exactly why, and how?
In his new book A FIELD GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE, Massimo Pigliucci updates THE HANDBOOK of the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus.
In this in-depth and lively conversation, Massimo and David Fideler discuss key ideas of Stoicism, and whether they are controversial in modern times. They also discuss the seven criteria Massimo uses to update THE HANDBOOK of Epictetus in his FIELD GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE.
MASSIMO'S BOOKS ON STOICISM:
A FIELD GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE
www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Ha...
HOW TO BE A STOIC
www.amazon.com/How-Be-Stoic-A...
A HANDBOOK FOR NEW STOICS
www.amazon.com/Handbook-New-S...
DAVID'S TALK FROM STOICON IN 2019:
"The Stoic Cosmopolis: Why We Are Born to Be Ethical"
This talk contain an overview of the different meanings of Logos in Stoicism and Greek philosophy.
On Stoic Insights:
stoicinsights.com/the-stoic-c...
On CZcams (Modern Stoicism channel):
• The Stoic Cosmopolis: ...
Visit the Stoic Insights website:
stoicinsights.com/
![Stoicism vs. Buddhism | Robert Wright & Massimo Pigliucci [The Wright Show]](/img/n.gif)
I would have to disagree with the idea that it "makes no sense" to embrace the Cancer, even given Dr. Pigliucci's metaphysical position.
"This cancer is teaching me what it means to be a human, part of which is to be an organism. In order to enjoy this embodied consciousness I possess, I must be aware not only of its social narratives, but also its biological ones. While I may not wish this cancer upon myself, it is an opportunity to fully experience sapient life, in all its pleasures and pains." I see no reason why "Endurace" and "Action" can't thrive just as successfully amidst this embrace.
I do agree that maybe you don't *have* to do it. But for me, personally, I find embracing my fate is emotionally helpful. Perhaps different personality types have different relationships with it?
Updated or altered Stoic principals would no longer be, they'd become someone else's principals.
One of the best interviews made to Massimo! I enjoyed it very much! Cheers from Argentina.
2:30 the reign of Nero ended when Epictetus was 18 years old and wasn't living in rome. A walk with Seneca would make more logical sense in this case as he was Nero's teacher. That said, i love both seneca and epictetus. And i own massimos book too ofcourse. A great read.
I found this discussion very useful. Thank you for taking the time to release this.
Excellent video, mate. Thank you for interviewing Massimo. He is one of the greatest contributors to modern stoic philosophy.
Awesome...more videos please!
Living in accordance with nature means living accordance with the nature that Nature has given you. So be a perfect example of the human you ought to be. No one has made him or herself Providence did this for us.....
wonderful interview
When you have figs...do you wear the leaves?
💘
Thank you for the inspiration, aiming for a life that is not regretted seems a fair affair
Yes, Massimo you are such a great inspiration for us striving to learn as much as we can about stoicism. I've been studying stoicism for about a year now, and it just seems to be the perfect philosophy for those wanting to be life long learners. And who want to strive to be better and better each day, with a positive influence on those around us.
I think it should be updated in the light of insights gained from a book which is vital for an accurate view of evolutionary science namely “ The philosophical contemplations of a big booty hoe” volume two two in which majestic tome we learn that evolution does not care one bit about intellect or morality but is driven and thus drives the various species of animals on the essential basis of reproduction and survival.
What I think you may or may not realise is, where Stoicism is about fate, I replace that with God. To be perfectly honest, the Bible speaks about the fruit of the Spirit, which is essentially Stoicism. The things we can control, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are all the fruit of the Spirit. I see Stoicism as a practical way to live the fruit of the Spirit. I'm a born again Christian ✝️, and I don't see anything inherently wrong with Stoicism. I put God in place of fate. The Apostle Paul says we are to live out the fruit of the spirit, (Paul was a Roman citizen, so he probably learned about Stoicism) but Paul didn't say in that verse how to live out the Fruit of the spirit. The Bible does speak about paying attention to what we think, e.g. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Also, Paul tells us how to live it out in Philippians 4:8 "8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." So as you can see, Stoicism isn't against what the Bible teaches. They can live beside each other happily. Just replace fate with God.
~30 "The universe healing itself, etc." They'd be saying "Cosmos," though, right? I mean, they were pre-Galileo, and did not think of the "Universe" the way that we do.
Timeless principles never need to be “updated.” It’s up the practitioner to be intelligent enough to apply them correctly.
Spot on 🤝🏼💯
💯 🎯 💥
Have you ever Heard of the Baha'i Religion?
Individuals need to follow rigorously the principles, not find a way to make it easy. That is why Stoicism is fundamentally challenging. Anything less than virtue is vice. Weak wills, laziness, poor logic, and dependency on technology make people weak. No one after the original Stoics have enhanced it, but simply interpreted it or contextualizing it. Especially the ones calling themselves philosophers.
I don't agree that the idea of Intersectionality goes against the Cosmopolitan ideal. The pursuit is to progress toward a more just and equitable society. Same thing. Now, as to the methodological point, there may be legitimate methodologies in the legal and social sciences that can be critiqued, but that's more of an issue of clarification (and in Dr. Pigliucci's characterization, a strategical error) rather than systematic incompatibility.
Bottom line. Yes Stoicism should be updated! 😇😎
Isn't the idea of "no immutable truths" an immutable truth?
'Updated' like an app? Well who owns it first!
What bothers me about modern stoics is that they view it as a personal pain killer ( emotional masturbation) and abandoned any dedication to public service.
Why is that not ok? I consider myself a superficial stoic. I use my critical thinking to interpret writings as well as interpretations of writings. This enables me to apply it to my life as I see fit. This allows me to make my own decisions. Stoicism should never become a cult of people unable to think.
Absolutely not. If youve read the book How to be a Stoic, its worth reading, youll see how difficult it is to seperate Stoicism from personal biases. To update Stoicism would shrink the philosophy to a group that shares the same viewpoints. A better name for the book should have been, "My worldview threw a Stoic lens"
I am saying this out of constructive criticism. Modern stoics are doing a horrible job of trying to to make an ancient philosophy into a modern working philosophy. Listening to two educated philosophers is great for the educated, but horrible for those wanting application. Most Christians can't recite yet a few verses from the Bible, don't understand the trilogy, and don't even see the massive amounts of contradictions in the "Bible". Yet....there is a substantial following to the religion. Dumb down stoicism, most people I know can't even remotely pronounce names like Chyrysippus, so do you think they will read about something that makes them feel ignorant? Stoicism is actually very easy, it's the "educated" philosophers all trying to one-up each other that are hurting the practice. I mean really? What would Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius say about philosophers spending so much time discussing minute details? I must laugh at this. If the devil is in the details, then they will never be found, broaden your scope. Stoicism is not flawed, and actually it doesn't even need updated. Updating is for monetary gain and one- upmanship from ones colleagues. Isn't it striking that every modern stoic philosopher is writing and promoting their book...or books? Then modern philosophers have podcasts where they both promote their books and those of their dear friends....ahem, colleagues.
Follow Marcus Aurelius....if you don't understand it well, get the translation by Gregory Hays, and that one only.....it is excellent. Follow Epictetus,
Lost souls. I pray you come to Jesus