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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The Stoic principle of oikeiosis: From individual self-interest to universal love
The concept of oikeiosis is a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy, offering a profound framework for understanding ethical behavior and the development of universal moral obligations. Rooted in the teachings of Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, oikeiosis describes a process by which individuals come to recognize their intrinsic connections to others, transforming self-interest into a commitment to the well-being of all. While often celebrated as a hallmark of Christian ethics, the sentiment expressed in Jesus’ maxim, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mark 12:31; Matthew 22:39), bears striking similarities to this Stoic principle. Exploring these parallels provides valuable insight into ancient ethical traditions and their overlapping visions of moral universalism.
The One: The central concept of Neoplatonism
The One (ἡ ἁν or τὸ ἕν, spelled as hen or to hen in Greek) is the central concept in Neoplatonism, developed primarily by Plotinus in his seminal work, The Enneads. It represents the ultimate source and principle of all existence, transcending all categories of being, thought, and description. As an ineffable and absolute unity, The One is beyond duality and distinction, existing as the foundational reality from which all things emanate.
The emergence of the Demiurge and the concept of evil in late Greek classical philosophy
The late phase of Greek classical philosophy witnessed the development of profound metaphysical ideas, including the conceptualization of a creator god and a principle resembling an evil or opposing force. These ideas did not arise as traditional myths but as philosophical constructs that sought to explain the nature of the cosmos, the origin of order and disorder, and the human condition. These innovations, particularly evident in Plato’s works and their later interpretations, had far-reaching implications, influencing religious, metaphysical, and theological traditions, especially Christianity and Gnosticism.
Panta Rhei: The concept of impermanence in Greek philosophy
The phrase Panta Rhei (Πάντα ὁῤεῖ), meaning ‘everything flows’, captures the essence of Heraclitus’s philosophy and his profound exploration of change and continuity. Although the exact phrase does not appear verbatim in his surviving fragments, it succinctly encapsulates his central assertion: the universe is in a state of constant flux, where all things are in motion and transformation. Heraclitus’s philosophy of flux has left a legacy, influencing subsequent thinkers and shaping metaphysical and epistemological discussions about the nature of reality.
Epochē: The suspension of judgment in ancient skepticism
The concept of epoché (ἐποχή), meaning ‘suspension of judgment’, holds a central place in ancient skeptical philosophy. Associated primarily with Pyrrhonian Skepticism, but also influencing other philosophical traditions, epoché is a methodological tool and an ethical practice. It involves refraining from making definitive judgments about the nature of reality or the truth of any proposition. This deliberate withholding of assent leads, according to the skeptics, to mental tranquility (ataraxia).
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