Wow! eBook
Ulysses and the Poetics of Cognition
Author(s): Patrick Colm Hogan (Author)
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: June 3, 2020
- Language: English
- Print length: 354 pages
- ISBN-10: 1648890326
- ISBN-13: 9781648890321
Book Description
This book is a manifesto of reformed Stoicism. It proposes a system of life which is bullet-proof, universal, viable and effective in every cosmic setting. It holds in every possible universe, under any government and within any economic system. We can be reformed Stoics no matter what we believe in.
Reformed Stoicism is about enjoying and exercising our agency. In other words, it’s about the flow of making autonomous and right decisions, and about celebrating our ability to make them.
With no reliance on nature, with the recalibration of metaphysical positions, with skepticism towards grand discourses and universal answers, with an emphasis on the usefulness instead of truthfulness of narratives, with no reference to the vanity argument, with criticism of both conservative and ascetic misinterpretations of Stoicism, with an overall softer and more empathic approach, we can no longer be defined by the generic term “Stoicism”. Our time, in short, calls for a fresh interpretation of Stoicism. It is time for a new generation of Stoics. Thus: reformed Stoicism.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Stoicism has been surging in popularity, for the simple reason that this ancient Greco-Roman philosophy has helped countless people in times of turmoil, social upheaval, or simply with the standard vicissitudes of human existence. However, a philosophy that was first articulated 24 centuries ago may be in need of some kind of update, to take into consideration modern sensitivities, not to mention advancements in both science and philosophy. Piotr Stankiewicz offers just one such update, what he calls “reformed” Stoicism, a term inspired by the similarly intentioned reformed Christianity and Judaism. It’s a bold attempt, which will no doubt be controversial and inspire rebuttals, improvements, and alternative offerings. Which has been in the spirit of Stoicism from the very beginning. Philosophies are not judged by whether they are “true,” but by whether they are coherent and — especially — useful. Let the discussion begin!
Prof. Dr. Massimo Pigliucci
The Graduate Center, CUNY
