Panaetius of Rhodes · Philosophy

The Middle Stoa: A Stoicism a Roman Could Live

How Panaetius softened the austere old Stoa for the world of affairs - doubting the periodic conflagration, quietly setting aside astrology and divination, and admitting that virtue alone may not be quite enough for a happy life - turning a philosophy of ideal sages into one for statesmen and citizens.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Panaetius reshaped the old Stoa of Zeno and Chrysippus - questioning the ekpyrosis (world-conflagration), setting aside divination and astrology, and denying that virtue is entirely self-sufficient for happiness - producing a more humane, practicable ‘middle Stoicism.’ Explain what he soft…

Leads to Chrysippus of Soli.

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