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I speak with Scott Aikin, a philosopher at Vanderbilt University. This marks Aiken's third appearance on Stoa Conversations.

During this episode, we delve into significant philosophical challenges to Stoicism, including the foundation of virtue, the impossibility objection, and issues arising from Traditional Stoicism. These topics hold theoretical importance, but they also influence our practical lives. Especially it comes to issues like reframing obstacles and determining the degree to which Stoics should adhere to tradition. Scott, and another Stoa Conversations guest, William Stephens, are publishing Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics this summer.

(02:38) What is Stoicism?

(07:13) The Stoic View of Virtue

(22:29) We Need People To Depend on Us

(27:34) Is it Possible to Be A Stoic?

(46:51) Traditional vs Modern Stoicism

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/