Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Greek and Indian philosophy: A comparative analysis
Greek and Indian philosophies represent two of the most influential intellectual traditions in human history, both emerging independently but sharing certain common concerns: The nature of reality, the self, ethics, and the path to knowledge and wisdom. Despite arising in distinct cultural contexts, they exhibit parallels in their early developments, as well as significant differences in their metaphysical assumptions, methodologies, and ultimate goals. After exploring both traditions in separate post series, this post compares the development and characteristics of Greek and Indian philosophy, highlighting both their unique trajectories and shared themes.
Greek and Chinese philosophy: A comparative analysis
Greek and Chinese philosophy, two of the most influential intellectual traditions in world history, emerged independently in distinct cultural and geographical contexts. Despite their separate origins, both traditions formed the intellectual backbone of their civilizations, fostering growth, prosperity, and a shared cultural identity. They tackled fundamental questions concerning human existence, ethics, politics, and the nature of the cosmos. While Greek philosophy is renowned for its analytical and speculative nature, Chinese philosophy emphasizes practical wisdom and harmonious living. After exploring both traditions in separate post series, this post examines the development, core themes, and characteristics of these two philosophical traditions, highlighting their similarities and unique contributions to human thought.
The Stoic principle of oikeiosis: From individual self-interest to universal love
The concept of oikeiosis is a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy, offering a profound framework for understanding ethical behavior and the development of universal moral obligations. Rooted in the teachings of Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, oikeiosis describes a process by which individuals come to recognize their intrinsic connections to others, transforming self-interest into a commitment to the well-being of all. While often celebrated as a hallmark of Christian ethics, the sentiment expressed in Jesus’ maxim, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mark 12:31; Matthew 22:39), bears striking similarities to this Stoic principle. Exploring these parallels provides valuable insight into ancient ethical traditions and their overlapping visions of moral universalism.
The One: The central concept of Neoplatonism
The One (ἡ ἁν or τὸ ἕν, spelled as hen or to hen in Greek) is the central concept in Neoplatonism, developed primarily by Plotinus in his seminal work, The Enneads. It represents the ultimate source and principle of all existence, transcending all categories of being, thought, and description. As an ineffable and absolute unity, The One is beyond duality and distinction, existing as the foundational reality from which all things emanate.
The emergence of the Demiurge and the concept of evil in late Greek classical philosophy
The late phase of Greek classical philosophy witnessed the development of profound metaphysical ideas, including the conceptualization of a creator god and a principle resembling an evil or opposing force. These ideas did not arise as traditional myths but as philosophical constructs that sought to explain the nature of the cosmos, the origin of order and disorder, and the human condition. These innovations, particularly evident in Plato’s works and their later interpretations, had far-reaching implications, influencing religious, metaphysical, and theological traditions, especially Christianity and Gnosticism.
Panta Rhei: The concept of impermanence in Greek philosophy
The phrase Panta Rhei (Πάντα ὁῤεῖ), meaning ‘everything flows’, captures the essence of Heraclitus’s philosophy and his profound exploration of change and continuity. Although the exact phrase does not appear verbatim in his surviving fragments, it succinctly encapsulates his central assertion: the universe is in a state of constant flux, where all things are in motion and transformation. Heraclitus’s philosophy of flux has left a legacy, influencing subsequent thinkers and shaping metaphysical and epistemological discussions about the nature of reality.
Epochē: The suspension of judgment in ancient skepticism
The concept of epoché (ἐποχή), meaning ‘suspension of judgment’, holds a central place in ancient skeptical philosophy. Associated primarily with Pyrrhonian Skepticism, but also influencing other philosophical traditions, epoché is a methodological tool and an ethical practice. It involves refraining from making definitive judgments about the nature of reality or the truth of any proposition. This deliberate withholding of assent leads, according to the skeptics, to mental tranquility (ataraxia).
Logos: The principle of reason and order in classical philosophy
The concept of logos (λόγος) is one of the most profound and multifaceted ideas in classical Greek philosophy, encompassing meanings such as ‘word’, ‘reason’, ‘principle’, and ‘order’. It represents the rational structure underlying the cosmos and the guiding principle of thought and speech. From its early development in the pre-Socratic period to its central role in Stoicism and later influence on Christian theology, logos serves as a foundational concept for understanding the universe and humanity’s place within it.
Ataraxia: The ideal of tranquility in classical philosophy
Ataraxia (ἀταραξία) is a term that occupies a central place in the ethical systems of several classical philosophical schools, notably Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism. It is commonly translated as ‘tranquility’ or ‘freedom from disturbance’, and represents a state of serene calmness and imperturbability. Unlike modern interpretations of tranquility as merely an emotional state, ataraxia in classical thought is a profound philosophical achievement, reflecting harmony between one’s inner self and external circumstances.
Eudaimonia: The highest good in classical Greek philosophy
After exploring the main schools and thinkers of classical Greek philosophy and summarizing their key concepts in a glossary, I thought it would be useful to elaborate on some of these key ideas in more detail. In this post, we will start with a concept that is central to the ethical thought of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: eudaimonia. This term, which is often translated as ‘happiness’ or ‘flourishing’, encapsulates the idea of living well in accordance with one’s nature and potential. Unlike the modern conception of happiness, which often connotes a fleeting emotional state, eudaimonia denotes a profound and enduring condition of living well, in accordance with one’s nature and potential.