Gregory Sadler on Criticisms of Stoicism ( Episode 76)
Sep 8, 2023
auto_awesome
Gregory Sadler, founder of ReasonIO, discusses criticisms of Stoicism from philosophers like Hegel, Nietzsche, and William James. They explore the importance of understanding these criticisms, the stoic theory of emotions, and the pragmatic approach to truth. They also delve into debates in Stoic philosophy and express gratitude for the opportunity to have a conversation.
Stoicism should be open to criticism and embrace diverse perspectives for a comprehensive understanding.
Engaging with other philosophical traditions can enrich Stoicism and enhance its teachings on emotions and communal bonding.
Deep dives
Stoicism's Compatibility with Modern Philosophies and Criticisms by Other Thinkers
In this episode, Stoic philosophy is discussed, examining its theory and practice. The conversation delves into criticisms of Stoicism by other philosophers throughout history, including Hegel and Nietzsche. Hegel's criticism revolves around Stoicism's retreat from the world, while Nietzsche suggests that Stoics tyrannize over nature. William James explores Stoicism in the context of religious experiences and contrasts it against committed Christianity. The conversation highlights the importance of incorporating diverse philosophical perspectives and experimenting with different traditions for a holistic understanding of Stoicism.
Clarifying Misconceptions and Embracing Diversity in Philosophy
The conversation emphasizes the need to move beyond rigid categorizations and embrace the interchange between philosophical traditions. It advocates for an open-minded approach to philosophy, encouraging eclecticism and experimentation. By exploring diverse perspectives, such as those of Platonists, Aristotelians, and even modern religious communities, one can enrich their understanding and apply valuable insights to Stoicism.
Lessons from Philosophical Traditions
There are valuable lessons that can be learned from other philosophical traditions. For example, from the Platonists, Stoics can embrace the importance of communal bonding and its positive impact on individual growth. Additionally, Aristotelian ideas can inform Stoic understandings of emotions, providing a broader perspective on anxiety, anger, and sadness. By engaging with various traditions, Stoicism can evolve and adapt its teachings for a more comprehensive approach to virtue ethics.
In this conversation, Michael speaks with Gregory Sadler.
Greg is the Founder and President of ReasonIO, a company dedicated to making resources of contemporary and classical philosophy available and accessible to non-philosophers. I first encountered Greg through his popular YouTube channel, which has hundreds of videos breaking down the thinking of philosophers ranging from Epictetus and Seneca to Hegel and Hume.
In this conversation, we cover challenges to the Stoics from a range of philosophers – each criticism should sharpen your picture of Stoicism.
(02:04) Greg's Story
(06:37) What Attracted Greg to Stoicism?
(13:28) Hegel on the Stoics
(25:12) Nietzsche’s Challenge
(33:36) William James on Stoicism
(43:39) Experimentation
(46:00) Shifty Stoicism
(48:15) Neo-Aristotelian Arguments
***
Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe