Workshop in Ancient Philosophy (Thursday - Week 2, HT25)

Abstract: Epictetus’ lecture On Cynicism (III 22) is both an enthusiastic praise of the Cynic sage and a disapproval of one of his student’s leanings toward Cynicism. This ambiguous attitude towards Cynicism stems from the complex relationship that the Stoics have with their Cynic heritage. The Stoics generally consider Diogenes to be a sage, but they do not want this example of virtue to translate into an unrestricted endorsement of the Cynic’s unconventional lifestyle. Thus, they establish specific conditions under which it is appropriate for philosophers to ‘Cynicize’ their way to virtue. In this talk, I will highlight the originality of Epictetus’ view by comparing it with earlier Stoic endorsements of Cynicism. Epictetus ingeniously co-opts Cynicism by using Stoic doctrines to defend the lifestyle of the Cynic sage and transforms true Cynicism into a kingly role that only the sage is allowed to perform.