#920 Jean-Manuel Roubineau: The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic

Mar 28, 2024

Dr. Jean-Manuel Roubineau discusses the life and philosophy of Diogenes the Cynic in the 4th century BCE, covering topics like cosmopolitanism, cultural relativism, poverty, freedom, pleasure, exercise, speaking one's mind, and the encounters between Diogenes and Alexander the Great. The episode also explores modern interpretations of Diogenes' ideas and the guest's take on digital minimalism.

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INSIGHT

Philosophy as a Way of Life

Many ancient Greek philosophers viewed philosophy as a way of life, not just theoretical concepts.
Diogenes, following Socrates' tradition, believed that philosophy should guide everyday actions.

INSIGHT

Diogenes' World

Diogenes lived during the 4th century BC in a dynamic Mediterranean world with international trade and conflicts.
Many foreigners moved between city-states, and Diogenes, exiled from Sinope, lived in large, diverse cities like Athens and Corinth.

ANECDOTE

Exile and Detachment

Diogenes' exile, due to a counterfeiting scandal with his father, shaped his philosophy of detachment.
Losing his citizenship and social belonging led him to reject cultural constructs like family and city.

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Dr. Jean-Manuel Roubineau is a Professor of Ancient History at Université Rennes 2. He is a classics scholar who specializes in Greek antiquity, the historical anthropology of sport, and the history of social inequalities. He is the author of The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic.

In this episode, we focus on The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic. We start by talking about the Mediterranean world of the 4th century BCE, and the life of Diogenes. We then go through his philosophy, and topics like cosmopolitanism, cultural relativism, and questioning norms; the fact of poverty and the feeling of poverty; being a mendicant philosopher; his jar as a symbol; slavery and freedom; pleasure, diet, and sex; exercise and health; speaking one’s mind freely; his supposed encounter with Alexander the Great; his ideas about Socrates and Plato; and his death. Finally, we discuss which philosophers were influenced by Diogenes, Stoicism, and his legacy.

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