In 'On the Commonwealth', Cicero explores the nature of an ideal society, emphasizing justice, natural law, and the importance of a balanced government. The work, though partially preserved, remains a cornerstone of Cicero's political philosophy, reflecting his vision for a harmonious Roman Republic.
Diogenes Laërtius's "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers" is a biographical work providing accounts of prominent philosophers from various schools of thought, offering valuable historical and philosophical insights.
While Socrates didn't write any books himself, his ideas and teachings are preserved through the writings of his students, particularly Plato. Plato's dialogues feature Socrates as the central figure, engaging in philosophical discussions on a wide range of topics. These dialogues explore fundamental questions about justice, virtue, knowledge, and the nature of reality. Socrates' method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, emphasizes critical thinking and self-examination. His influence on Western philosophy is immeasurable, shaping the course of intellectual thought for centuries to come.
Written between 1661 and 1675 and published posthumously in 1677, *Ethics* is a comprehensive philosophical work divided into five parts. It addresses the nature of God, concluding that God is intrinsic to the universe rather than outside it. The treatise dissects the human mind and body, explores the notion of free will and good and evil, and analyzes the origin and strength of emotions. Spinoza argues that reason is the sole means to achieve virtue and freedom from emotional bondage. The work is characterized by its use of Euclid's step-by-step logical method to prove various propositions[3][5].
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living[1][5].
In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles. Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace. Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living. They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
Xenophon's 'Memorabilia' is a collection of anecdotes and dialogues that portray the life and teachings of Socrates. Written in the 4th century BC, it offers valuable insights into Socratic philosophy and its impact on ancient Greece. The work presents Socrates as a teacher who used questioning and critical thinking to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage self-examination. Through vivid accounts of conversations and events, Xenophon captures the essence of Socratic thought and its enduring relevance. 'Memorabilia' remains a significant historical and philosophical text, providing a rich understanding of one of history's most influential thinkers.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
On today’s episode Ryan speaks to professor and author Agnes Callard about the philosophical model that Socrates passed down, the ancient problem of fundamentally flawed people, how to re envision success and ambition, pulling rather than pushing your children towards philosophy, and more.
Agnes Callard is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago (ancient philosophy and ethics). She wrote Aspiration: The Agency of Becoming and wrote the lead essay in On Anger, one of the New Yorker’s top books of 2020.
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