Frequently Discussed Topics
This page is intended to supplement the FAQ. The subjects listed here are subjects of threads common on /r/Stoicism , but not really suitable for the FAQ. Inclusion of a topic here is meant neither to encourage nor discourage future discussion of the topic, but rather to raise the level of discourse in any future instances.
The appearance of a reference or thread here does not imply endorsement. Inclusion indicates one that it will be useful in contributing to and understanding the context of future conversations.
Threads linked to are selected to cover a range of typical viewpoints covered in similar threads (whether well informed or not).
What is “modern Stoicism”?
Who is “Stoic”?
Why is virtue the only good?
- This is almost the same question addressed in this entry in the FAQ.
- Book 3 of Cicero’s On Ends mostly consists of Stoic arguments that virtue is the only good.
- Cicero’s Tusculan Disputations is a book length exposition arguing that virtue is the only good, starting with arguments that things commonly taken to be evils (death, pain, etc.) are not, and ending with a generalization.
- Lawrence Becker’s A New Stoicism presents a different, more modern argument inspired by ancient ones.
- thread, thread, thread, thread, thread, thread
Stoic journaling
What does Stoicism say about politics?
Stoicism and mental illness
“Modern Stoics” are too dogmatic!
“Modern Stoics” are not Stoic enough!
Most of the discussion of “Modern Stoicism” not being “Stoic” enough centers around many modern Stoics rejecting Stoic theology, the debate over which is covered in this section.
Stoicism vs. Epicureanism
Symbols for Stoicism
Stoicism is a “sour grapes” philosophy!
Stoicism only works for the privileged!
Nietzsche’s criticism of the Stoics
Examples of Stoic women
Seneca was a hypocrite!
Marcus Aurelius persecuted Christians!
Marcus Aurelius invaded Germany!
Marcus Aurelius was an opium addict!
Flaws in Stoicism
Modern criticism and responses
- Massimo Pugliucci’s blog has a whole section devoted to responding to critics (ancient and modern), and as such is useful for pointing to the criticisms themselves.
- thread, thread
Ancient criticism
Sex
William B. Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life
Jordan Peterson
Does Stoic ethics depend on the Stoic theology?
Stoicism and Christianity
Suicide