The metaphysical dimensions ignored by neostoicism

Abstract

A new model of practical stoicism, or neo-stoicism, has been spreading in our society for last two decades. That proposal presents Greek and Roman Stoicism as a form of therapy for healing and normalizing citizens.

This theory is based on two risky presupossitions: his narcissistic individualism and the aims to implement Zeno’s or Marcus Aurelius’ teachings under capitalist ideological tendencies. Against this framework, classical Stoicism defended cosmopolitanism and a philosophy that did not seek merely practical ends but rather the assimilation of the subject to the logos. In this way, the Panaetius’ or Posidonius’ Stoicism was metaphysical, that is, it sought the ascent of the subject to reason or cosmic vision rather than achieving uncritical adaptation to the system.

This article aims to reveal the errors of neostoicism and concludes by calling for a shift from the ethical-moral vision of neostoicism to the metaphysical perspective of Stoicism.