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Course Description

Stoicism can teach us techniques to tolerate pain, conquer anger, relinquish fear, and live a life of virtue and fulfilment.  Through contemplative exercises and journalling, we’ll study the ancient Stoic philosophers in a pragmatic way. With educator and author, Ranjini George Philip, learn about their concept of the good life, eudaimonia. We’ll see how for 500 years it guided important classical figures like Seneca, the tutor of Emperor Nero, Epictetus, a freed slave, and the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The course includes visits by internationally renowned guest speakers on Stoicism.

Learning Outcomes

  • Study the core ideas of Stoicism and explore its continuing relevance to our contemporary life.
  • Understand the contemplative practices of Stoicism such as Stoic Mindfulness, morning and evening practices, View from Above and Premeditation of Adversity.
  • Keep a Stoic Journal for the duration of the class, if you wish to.
  • Learn the dramatic story of Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ life and the principles of Stoicism that guided him through his tumultuous and dangerous times.

Notes

In addition to supplementary readings on Epictetus, Seneca et al, uploaded on the course content page, we will be reading the following texts: 

1. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius , free e-version: https://oll-resources.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/oll3/store/titles/2133/Aurelius_1464_EBk_v6.0.pdf 
or use, Marcus Aurelius Meditations. Trans. Gregory Hays. Modern Library; Revised ed. edition (May 6 2003)

2. Donald Robertson.  How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. New York, St. Martin’s Press, 2019. ISBN-13 : 978-1250621436 .

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