The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics

Description

This unique volume offers an odyssey through the ideas of the Stoics in three particular ways: first, through the historical trajectory of the school itself and its influence; second, through the recovery of the history of Stoic thought; third, through the ongoing confrontation with Stoicism, showing how it refines philosophical traditions, challenges the imagination, and ultimately defines the kind of life one chooses to lead. A distinguished roster of specialists have written an authoritative guide to the entire philosophical tradition. The first two chapters chart the history of the school in the ancient world, and are followed by chapters on the core themes of the Stoic system: epistemology, logic, natural philosophy, theology, determinism, and metaphysics. There are two chapters on what might be thought of as the heart and soul of the Stoics system: ethics.

'... a splendid guide to what is currently going on in work in the Stoics.' Journal of African Christian Thought '... useful ... The contributions are well written and together form a comprehensive introduction to Stoicism.' Practical Philosophy 'There is nothing but good to say of this book. For a start, it is excellently organized ... it should go without saying that the quality of the scholarship is outstanding ... the chapters are very easy to read, and yet draw you on to improve your grasp of the topic and the pertinent issues ... No knowledge of ancient languages is assumed, but the clarity of the contributions means that even hardened scholars will profit from the book ... there could be no better introduction to Stoicism than this book.' Heythrop Journal