Philosophy For Our Times The inner life of a stoic | Stoicism Series PART 5 | Massimo Pigliucci
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Jan 21, 2025 
Massimo Pigliucci, a philosophy professor and prominent advocate of Stoicism, shares insights on how ancient philosophy can address modern challenges. He discusses the evolution of skepticism and its relevance in today's technology-driven world. Pigliucci delves into personal growth during midlife crises through Stoic practices, emphasizing the pivotal principle of the dichotomy of control. Additionally, he reflects on the teachings of Epictetus, encouraging the audience to challenge their perceptions and improve emotional resilience.
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Modern Skepticism
- Modern skepticism, distinct from ancient skepticism, emphasizes scientific investigation and evidence-based reasoning.
- It entails open-mindedness towards unusual phenomena, but demands strong evidence before acceptance, often leading to debunking pseudoscience.
Alchemy to Chemistry
- Alchemy, once considered a serious pursuit, evolved into modern chemistry, demonstrating how some fields transition from questionable origins to established science.
- Isaac Newton, a renowned physicist, dedicated significant time to alchemy and biblical criticism, highlighting how even great scientists explored pseudoscientific ideas.
Science vs. Pseudoscience
- Some scientific fields, like SETI and evolutionary psychology, occupy a gray area between established science and pseudoscience due to limited data and testability.
- The distinction between science and pseudoscience lies in methodology and acceptance of negative results, not the correctness of the ideas themselves.