Stoicism: (Ancient Philosophies)

This is the first introduction to Stoic philosophy for 30 years. Aimed at readers new to Stoicism and to ancient philosophy, it outlines the central philosophical ideas of Stoicism and introduces the reader to the different ancient authors and sources that they will encounter when exploring Stoicism. The range of sources that are drawn upon in the reconstruction of Stoic philosophy can be bewildering for the beginner. Sellars guides the reader through the surviving works of the late Stoic authors, Seneca and Epictetus, and the fragments relating to the early Stoics found in authors such as Plutarch and Stobaeus. The opening chapter offers an introduction to the ancient Stoics, their works, and other ancient authors who report material about ancient Stoic philosophy. The second chapter considers how the Stoics themselves conceived philosophy and how they structured their own philosophical system. Chapters 3-5 offer accounts of Stoic philosophical doctrines arranged according to the Stoic division of philosophical discourse into three parts: logic, physics, and ethics. The final chapter considers the later impact of Stoicism on Western philosophy. At the end of the volume there is a detailed guide to further reading.

Table of Contents:
Preface Sources and abbreviations Chronology 1. Introduction 2. The Stoic system 3. Stoic logic 4. Stoic physics 5. Stoic ethics 6. The Stoic legacy Glossary Guide to further reading References Index of passages Index

About the Author :
John Sellars is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Review :
"It's easy to recommend this book as the best introduction to the subject." - The Philosophers' Magazine "An excellent introduction to the central themes of Stoicism." - R. W. Sharples, Philosophical Books "Outstanding ... Sellars has risen splendidly to the challenge of providing a new generation of students with an introduction to Stoicism. I recommend the book without hesitation. It is clearly written, well organized, and beautifully produced." - Robin Waterfield, Heythrop Journal "A lucid, informative and thoughtful introduction to Stoicism. The book provides an overview that is both highly readable and yet based on solid academic study." - C. J. Gill, University of Exeter "Stoicism needs a new work of this kind. Sellars not only takes good account of the last thirty years of research, he also has much of his own to contribute. I particularly applaud his focus on Epictetus and on Stoicism as an art of life." - A. A. Long, University of California, Berkeley