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The Via Stoica Podcast

52. Stoic Ethics with Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill: Bringing Morality Back

Sep 30, 2024
Brittany Polat, a philosophical writer dedicated to accessible Stoicism, and Christopher Gill, an Emeritus Professor and ancient philosophy expert, dive into the essential role of Stoic ethics today. They discuss their book, *Stoic Ethics: The Basics*, emphasizing how ancient virtues connect to modern happiness and personal challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of making Stoicism relatable, addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas, and incorporating philosophical thinking in education to foster moral courage and resilience.
01:07:08

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Quick takeaways

  • Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill emphasize the importance of practical Stoic ethics, seeking to clarify its core principles for modern understanding.
  • The podcast highlights the communal aspect of Stoicism, focusing on the philosophy's social responsibility and the need for caring relationships.

Deep dives

The Journey to Stoicism

Both Brittany Palat and Christopher Gill share personal journeys that led them to Stoicism, highlighting how challenging life experiences can drive individuals toward philosophical exploration. Brittany's pivotal moment came during a career transition and as a mother, prompting her to seek wisdom that would guide her children's upbringing and her own life choices. She discovered Stoicism through William Irvine's book, which spurred her to deeply engage with Stoic literature and community, ultimately leading to her nonprofit organization aiming to present Stoicism positively. Chris's path differed, rooted in decades of academic research on ancient philosophy, where he realized Stoicism's practical benefits could greatly aid individuals navigating modern life's complexities.

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