Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Logos: The principle of reason and order in classical philosophy
The concept of logos (λόγος) is one of the most profound and multifaceted ideas in classical Greek philosophy, encompassing meanings such as ‘word’, ‘reason’, ‘principle’, and ‘order’. It represents the rational structure underlying the cosmos and the guiding principle of thought and speech. From its early development in the pre-Socratic period to its central role in Stoicism and later influence on Christian theology, logos serves as a foundational concept for understanding the universe and humanity’s place within it.
Ataraxia: The ideal of tranquility in classical philosophy
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία) is a term that occupies a central place in the ethical systems of several classical philosophical schools, notably Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism. It is commonly translated as ‘tranquility’ or ‘freedom from disturbance’, and represents a state of serene calmness and imperturbability. Unlike modern interpretations of tranquility as merely an emotional state, ataraxia in classical thought is a profound philosophical achievement, reflecting harmony between one’s inner self and external circumstances.
Eudaimonia: The highest good in classical Greek philosophy
After exploring the main schools and thinkers of classical Greek philosophy and summarizing their key concepts in a glossary, I thought it would be useful to elaborate on some of these key ideas in more detail. In this post, we will start with a concept that is central to the ethical thought of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: eudaimonia. This term, which is often translated as ‘happiness’ or ‘flourishing’, encapsulates the idea of living well in accordance with one’s nature and potential. Unlike the modern conception of happiness, which often connotes a fleeting emotional state, eudaimonia denotes a profound and enduring condition of living well, in accordance with one’s nature and potential.
Essential terms and concepts in Greek philosophy and their thinkers
Greek philosophy offers a treasure trove of concepts and ideas that have profoundly influenced the intellectual traditions of the Western world. Many of these terms encapsulate complex philosophical systems, debates, and insights, often tied to specific thinkers or schools. I thought, it would be useful to have a reference guide to some of the essential terms and concepts in Greek philosophy and the philosophers associated with them. This list is by no means exhaustive but aims to provide a starting point for exploring classical Greek thought.
Greek mystery cults
Between the 6th century BCE and late antiquity, the Greek world witnessed the flourishing of numerous ‘mystery cults’ that promised personal salvation, secret knowledge, and a sense of communion with the divine. Unlike the public, civic cults dedicated to Olympian gods, these more esoteric religions were defined by initiation rites that shielded certain doctrines and rituals from the uninitiated. Early Christianity would emerge within the broader context of these Hellenistic religious experiments, and any comparative study of Christian origins stands to benefit from an understanding of the mystery cults that shaped the intellectual and spiritual environment of the time
Plotinus and Neoplatonism: The culmination of classical Greek philosophy
Plotinus (circa 204–270 CE) and the school of thought he founded, known as Neoplatonism, represent the final and arguably most sophisticated phase of classical Greek philosophy. Rooted in the metaphysical framework of Plato, Neoplatonism expanded and systematized Platonic thought, integrating elements of Aristotelian, Stoic, and Pythagorean philosophy. It became a dominant intellectual and spiritual force in the late antique world, influencing subsequent developments in Christian theology, Islamic philosophy, and the Western mystical tradition.
Pyrrhonism and its aftermath
The Pyrrhonist school of thought, originating with Pyrrho of Elis (circa 365–275 BCE) and later systematized by Sextus Empiricus (2nd–3rd century CE), represents one of the most radical and enduring forms of skepticism in the history of philosophy. After flourishing during the Hellenistic period, Pyrrhonism seemingly faded in influence, only to resurface in new philosophical contexts during the Renaissance and early modern periods. Over time, certain Pyrrhonist ideas found resonance in Christian thought, particularly in the context of intellectual humility, mystical theology, and later in debates during the Enlightenment about religious tolerance. Although direct adoption of Pyrrhonist concepts into Christian doctrine is unlikely, elements of Pyrrhonist skepticism indirectly influenced Christian thinkers and played a role in shaping modern philosophical and theological discourse.
Skepticism and non-attachment: Philosophical parallels between Pyrrhonism and Buddhism
The intersection of Hellenistic philosophy and Indian spiritual traditions has long intrigued scholars, especially regarding the striking conceptual parallels between Pyrrhonism, subject of our previous post, and early Buddhism. Despite their distinct historical and cultural contexts, both traditions offer profound frameworks for addressing the nature of belief, perception, and human suffering. While our post about Pyrrhonism already discussed these potential connections, this post further focusses on the philosophical affinities and divergences between Pyrrhonism and Buddhism.
Pyrrhonism: Radical skepticism and the pursuit of tranquility
Pyrrhonism, a school of ancient skepticism founded by Pyrrho of Elis (circa 360–270 BCE), represents one of the most rigorous and distinctive philosophical traditions of the Hellenistic period. Unlike earlier Greek skeptics, who often critiqued specific dogmas or theories, Pyrrhonism advocated a radical suspension of judgment (epoché) about all matters, emphasizing the limits of human knowledge and the impossibility of attaining certain truth. This philosophical stance was not an end in itself but a means to achieving ataraxia, or tranquility of the soul, which Pyrrho and his followers regarded as the ultimate goal of human life.
The Epicureans: Philosophy of pleasure, tranquility, and the pursuit of happiness
The Epicurean school, founded by Epicurus (341–270 BCE), represents one of the most distinctive and enduring philosophical movements of the Hellenistic period. At its heart lies a hedonistic philosophy that defines the highest good as the attainment of pleasure (hedone), understood not as indulgence in sensual excess but as the cultivation of a tranquil and virtuous life. Epicureanism offered a comprehensive framework addressing metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, emphasizing the naturalistic basis of existence and the role of rational inquiry in achieving human flourishing (eudaimonia).