Explore Stoicism and the art of living well with our philosophy short courses online!
What does it mean to live a good life? How should we respond to uncertainty, adversity and success? Developed by thinkers including Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, Stoicism offers a practical philosophical framework for examining these enduring questions and considering how we respond to the complexities of life.
In this Introduction to Stoicism course, you'll explore the origins, key thinkers and central ideas of one of the ancient world's most influential philosophical traditions. Through the writings of the Roman Stoics, you'll examine concepts such as virtue, reason, the dichotomy of control and the testing of impressions, while considering how Stoic ideas have developed and been interpreted across history.
Combining philosophical inquiry with practical reflection, this course invites you to question assumptions, examine your own judgements and consider how Stoic ideas might apply to contemporary life. Whether you're new to philosophy or curious about the renewed interest in Stoicism, you'll gain a structured and intellectually engaging introduction to Stoicism as a philosophy of life.
By the end of this Philosophy of Stoicism course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:
- Understanding the historical development of Stoicism and its contemporary revival
- Identifying the lives, ideas and philosophical contributions of key Stoic thinkers
- Exploring core Stoic concepts including virtue, reason and the nature of a flourishing life
- Understanding the dichotomy of control and the Stoic approach to testing impressions
- Examining Stoic approaches to adversity, judgement and emotional response
- Interpreting key Stoic ideas within their historical and philosophical context
- Considering how Stoic principles may be applied and evaluated in contemporary life
What is covered in this Philosophy of Stoicism course?
During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, ideas and philosophical approaches that typically include:
Week 1: What is Stoicism?
- Reason and virtue in a complex world
- Philosophical influences including Socrates, Heraclitus and Diogenes
- The founders of Stoicism: Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes and Chrysippus
- The development of Stoicism from ancient Greece to the present
- The Stoic framework of physics, logic and ethics
Week 2: The Stoic worldview
- The cardinal virtues: courage, temperance, justice and wisdom
- Amor fati and acceptance
- Preferred and dispreferred indifferents
- Eudaimonia, apatheia and ataraxia
- Stoic practices including negative visualisation and the "view from above"
Week 3: Seneca
- Seneca's life and influence in Imperial Rome
- Key writings, including Letters to Lucilius
- Stoicism, power and political life
- Applying philosophical principles amid wealth, influence and uncertainty
Week 4: Musonius Rufus
- The "Roman Socrates" and his teachings
- Stoicism as a philosophy of everyday practice
- The egalitarian dimensions of Stoic thought
- Philosophy, education and the disciplined life
Week 5: Epictetus
- From slavery to philosophical authority
- The Discourses and Enchiridion
- The dichotomy of control
- Impressions, judgement and personal agency
Week 6: Marcus Aurelius
- The philosopher-emperor in a time of crisis
- Exploring the Meditations
- The idea of the "inner citadel"
- Duty, perspective and responding to adversity
Week 7: Twilight and renewal
- The later development of ancient Stoicism
- Stoicism and early Christian thought
- The Neo-Stoics of the Renaissance
- The survival and reinterpretation of Stoic ideas
Week 8: Modern Stoicism
- The contemporary revival of Stoicism
- Modern interpretations and practical applications
- Key modern thinkers including William B. Irvine, Donald Robertson, Massimo Pigliucci and Ryan Holiday
- Critiques and questions surrounding modern Stoicism
- Further avenues for philosophical study
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Who is this Philosophy of Stoicism course for?
This course is suitable for:
- Anyone curious about Stoicism and its approach to living well
- Learners interested in philosophy, ethics and ancient thought
- People interested in examining ideas about resilience, judgement, virtue and personal agency
- Readers of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca or other Stoic thinkers who want greater philosophical and historical context
- Anyone interested in exploring how ancient philosophical ideas might relate to contemporary life
No prior background in philosophy is required. This course is designed to provide an accessible introduction while encouraging thoughtful discussion, questioning and engagement with complex ideas.
Online via Zoom
Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation
Requirement: A device with a stable internet connection
What to bring to class
- A notebook and pen
- Recommended readings provided by the tutor
- A willingness to engage, question and reflect
Learning Resources
All course materials and recommended readings will be provided by the tutor via email throughout the course.
What's next?
If you’ve enjoyed exploring Stoicism, you may wish to continue your philosophical journey with our range of philosophy short courses, which examine different schools of thought and approaches to living well.
For those interested in going deeper into the ancient world that shaped Stoic thinking, you might also consider our Classical Latin courses—offering the opportunity to engage more closely with the language, literature, and intellectual traditions of ancient Rome.
