What we’re about
The Global Stoa is an initiative of the School for a New Stoicism. The meetings are facilitated by City College of New York philosopher Massimo Pigliucci. The group is based on the principle that philosophy is a conversation aimed at improving our lives. Every meeting (usually online) focuses on a topic in practical philosophy as understood by the Stoics and other Greco-Roman schools. Discussions are often inspired by a short suggested reading. As Epicurus (not a Stoic!) put it, “Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- [NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangoutPier 57, New York, NY
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Come join us for our final in-person meetup of 2024!
Here's our agenda for this meetup:
- 4-6pm: Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
- Deep read of Enchiridion 22: we'll read through Enchiridion 22 together and share our main practical takeaways (I'll be reading from the Robin Hard translation. You can compare multiple public domain translations here: https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/)
- 6-7pm: Optional informal hangout: we'll get to know each other more, chat about the future of the in-person meetup, and discuss whatever else you'd like!
You're welcome to come only for the Stoic discussion from 4-6pm, or just show up at 6pm for the more open hangout and discussion. If you have strong feelings about where to take the in-person group in 2025, I strongly encourage you to show up to the 6pm portion!
Notes on the venue: We'll be in Oyster Classroom in Pier 57 (25 11th Ave New York, NY 10011), which I reserved just for our group. Outside food is not permitted, but food from the nearby Market 57 is. Here's a map of the interior of Pier 57: go to Oyster Classroom.
- [NYC Stoics Reading Group] Demoralizing the StoicsLink visible for attendees
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
A lot of Stoic theory gets lost in translation. One common example is translating arete as "virtue"-- an English word that carries connotations that the ancient word doesn't have. But the poor mapping between modern concepts and ancient Stoic ones doesn't stop there.
In this meetup, we'll discuss a paper from scholar Tad Brennan who argues other modern moral notions don't map onto ancient Stoic ethics well. Specifically, Brennan argues:
- The Stoics had no notion that is akin to the modern concept of duty
- The difference between virtue and Stoic indifferents is not akin to the difference between the moral and non-moral domains
- The Stoic sage would not use notions of virtue in their deliberations
To prepare for this meetup, please read Tad Brennan's Demoralizing the Stoics in full and come prepared with questions or concepts you want to discuss. The text can be downloaded for free here.
We'll be assuming you did the reading at this meetup, so if you didn't, it's likely you'll be left behind!
- Determinism, swerves, and the relationship between metaphysics and ethicsLink visible for attendees
Metaphysics and science study the nature of the world. Ethics is concerned with how we should act in the world. What is the relationship between the two? Let’s explore it by way of contrasting the metaphysics and ethics of two of the most prominent Greco-Roman schools of practical philosophy: Stoicism and Epicureanism.
Suggested reading: Determinism, swerves, and the relationship between metaphysics and ethics.
Zoom link: available on this page.
Please plan to log in about five minutes before the meeting. Also note that the zoom room will be locked five minutes after the beginning of the event for security reasons, so come on time!
- Book Launch! Beyond Stoicism: An Hellenistic guide to the good lifeLink visible for attendees
Join authors Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez, and Meredith Alexander Kunz together with moderator Gregory Sadler for a lively discussion of the new book: Beyond Stoicism—A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers. (Pre-order here!)
For centuries, people have been grappling with life’s biggest questions: Who am I? What’s my purpose? How can I be happy? In modern times, many have found meaningful answers in Stoic philosophy. But there are other Greek and Roman philosophers who offer invaluable insights for modern life.
This book is a compass that helps us navigate these treacherous existential waters. Each chapter introduces a new tool for our toolkit by combining a biographical sketch of a particular philosopher, an exploration of the larger philosophy, and applicable lessons to tackle common challenges found in our everyday lives. We learn how to avoid pain with Epicurus, how to strike the right balance between extremes with Aristotle, how to rebel like the Cynic Hipparchia, and how to embrace uncertainty with the help of Carneades. Organized around three main themes of pleasure, character, and doubt, there’s something to learn from each thinker in our philosophical quest.
Even though these ideas were first presented thousands of years ago, they’re more relevant than ever in the twenty-first century. We still want the same things: love, friendship, money, reputation; and still fear the same threats: poverty, sickness, pain, and death. These Hellenistic philosophers devised powerful wisdom on how to live—now, we can use it to make our lives better.
Zoom link: available on this page.
Please plan to log in about five minutes before the meeting. Also note that the Zoom room will be locked five minutes after the beginning of the event for security reasons, so come on time!
![[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/4/8/5/event_524450309.webp "[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout")
![[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Demoralizing the Stoics cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/e/5/event_524716613.webp "[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Demoralizing the Stoics")
