Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Philosophy as a Way of Life with Matthew Sharpe

Apr 27, 2023

Matthew Sharpe, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Deakin University and co-author of "Philosophy as a Way of Life," shares insights on the practicality of Stoicism. He discusses why Stoicism isn’t prominent in academia and connects it with modern psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy. The conversation explores the significance of emotions in perception and the value of philosophical inquiry in personal development. Sharpe also reflects on the intersection of Stoicism and the French Enlightenment, advocating for accessible philosophical discourse.

01:13:00

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Episode guests

Matthew Sharpe

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Quick takeaways

Matthew Sharpe emphasizes that philosophy should be viewed as a practical tool for improving life, not just abstract theory.

Pierre Hadot's influence reveals that ancient philosophical practices were designed for character development, akin to modern therapeutic techniques.

The podcast advocates for the democratization of philosophy, encouraging everyone to engage in critical reflection to enhance personal and societal understanding.

Deep dives

Philosophy as a Practical Tool

Philosophy has often been viewed as a pursuit of abstract truths rather than a practical tool for living a better life. In ancient Greece, however, philosophy was understood as a means to understand the good life, with figures like Socrates emphasizing its practical applications. Critics argue that modern interpretations, particularly the approach to Stoicism, dilute the intellectual rigor of philosophy by presenting it as applicable to everyday problems. However, proponents assert that this practical application is precisely what makes philosophy relevant and valuable for contemporary audiences.

Intro

3min

Philosophy for Life: Bridging Theory and Practice

21min

Stoicism and Modern Psychotherapy

10min

Philosophy and Emotion in Perception

20min

The Socratic Method: Inquiry and Adaptation

12min

The Interplay of Sophistry and Enlightenment in Philosophy

2min

Bridging the Gap in Philosophy

4min

In this episode, Donald talks with Matthew Sharpe. Matt is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Deakin University in Australia. He’s spoken at Stoicon in Athens. He is the co-author of Philosophy as a Way of Life, and one of the translators of The Selected Writings of Pierre Hadot: Philosophy as Practice. His most recent book is titled Stoicism, Bullying, and Beyond: How to Keep Your Head When Others Around You Have Lost Theirs and Blame You.

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Highlights

* Stoicism and Philosophy as a Way of Life

* Why isn’t Stoicism more popular in academia?

* Pierre Hadot and Stoicism

* Philosophy and Spiritual Exercises

* Philosophy and the History of Psychotherapy

* Anger, Self-Estrangement, and Politics

* The French Enlightenment and Philosophy as a Way of Life

Links

* Matthew Sharpe Profile at Deakin University

* Stoicism, Bullying, and Beyond

* The Other Enlightenment: Race, Sexuality and Self-Estrangement

* The Selected Writings of Pierre Hadot

* Philosophy as a Way of Life: History, Dimensions, Directions

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

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