The Roman Stoics : self, responsibility, and affection / Gretchen Reydams-Schils.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Reydams-Schils, Gretchen.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Stoics.

Physical Description:

x, 210 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2005.

Summary:

Roman Stoic thinkers in the imperial period adapted Greek doctrine to create a model of the self that served to connect philosophical ideals with traditional societal values. Seneca, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Hierocles, and Marcus Aurelius all engaged in rigorous self-examination that enabled them to integrate philosophy into the practice of living. Gretchen Reydams-Schils's innovative new book shows how these thinkers applied their distinct brand of social ethics to everyday relations and responsibilities.

The Roman Stoics reexamines the philosophical basis that instructed social practice in friendship, marriage, parenting, and community. From this analysis emerge Stoics who are neither cold nor detached, as the stereotype has it, but all too aware of their human weaknesses. In a valuable contribution to current discussions in the humanities on identity, autonomy, and altruism, Reydams-Schils ultimately conveys the wisdom the Stoics have to bestow upon citizens of modern society.

Contents:

The self as a mediator

From self-sufficiency to human bonding

Politics, the philosophical life, and leisure

Parenthood

Marriage and community.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [177]-189) and index.

ISBN:

0226308375

OCLC:

55764277

Online:

Contributor biographical information