Stoicism

This new edition of Stoicism provides an introduction to one of the most influential schools of philosophy in antiquity, the influence of which has persisted to the present day. Originating in Athens around 300 BCE, Stoicism flourished for some five hundred years and has remained a constant presence throughout the history of Western philosophy. This new revised edition takes into account the wealth of scholarship that has been published in the last twenty years and the explosion of interest in Stoicism as a practical guide for living today. It begins with a complete introduction to the ancient Stoics, their works, and how they formulated their own philosophical system. The chapters then thoroughly examine the three core branches of Stoic philosophical doctrine – logic, physics, and ethics – while the final chapter provides an account of the Stoic legacy from later antiquity to now. The book also includes a chronology, useful glossaries, and a guide to further reading. This accessible, authoritative guide is an ideal introduction to the philosophy of Stoicism that stands behind much of the practical advice offered by Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, suitable for students and general readers.