The Stoics argued that all people share a spark of rationality (logos), making us brothers and sisters of one another and citizens of a universal cosmopolis or world-city—literally, “the city of the cosmos.” Because of this innate connection between human beings, they maintained that we are born to be ethical to others.

In this highly-illustrated talk and webinar, we will examine the all-important role of the cosmopolis in the ethical thought of Stoicism, particularly in Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Cicero. This idea was especially emphasized by the Roman Stoics.

In part 2 of the talk, we’ll explore how ideas parallel to the cosmopolis have reappeared in modern ideas about ecology — and also in the evolution of the biosphere. Not surprisingly, the community of life that composes the biosphere can also be seen as a cosmopolis or “world-city.”

Time for questions and discussion will be included.

About the speaker

David Fideler holds a PhD in philosophy and the history of science. An author of several books and many published articles, his book on the Stoic philosopher Seneca has been translated into more than 15 languages. Originally from the United States, he now lives in Europe.