Description
Is Stoicism a passive philosophy of mere internal resignation? Not at all. In this compelling session from Stoicon 2025, Professor Lisa Hill forcefully debunks the common myth of the "passive Stoic," arguing instead for a rich and demanding Stoic tradition of engaged citizenship.
Professor Hill, a Professor of Politics at the University of Adelaide, reveals that the inner work of Stoicism (apatheia and ataraxia) is not an end in itself. Rather, it is essential psychological training for a vital, outward-facing purpose: to act courageously, justly, and effectively for the common good.
In this talk, you'll discover:
* Why cosmopolitanism—the concept of a universal human family—is the "sovereign idea" in Stoic political thought.
* How Stoic principles command a duty to help all people, including strangers, the marginalized, and even enemies.
* The Stoic obligation to resist tyranny and bad rulers, drawing on examples from Seneca and Nero.
* The surprising and little-known story of how Queen Elizabeth I used Stoic teachings, particularly from Seneca, to master her own emotions and develop her principles of statecraft and clemency.
This talk is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy, politics, and practical ethics. It reframes Stoicism as a powerful toolset for making a real-world difference.
The lecture is followed by a Q&A session, covering how to:
* Communicate cosmopolitanism in a secular world.
* Engage patiently with those you deeply disagree with.
* Practice small, everyday acts of civic virtue.
About the Speaker:
Professor Lisa Hill is a Professor of Politics at the University of Adelaide, Research Chair of the Center for Public Integrity, and author of several books, including Stoicism and the Western Political Tradition and Stoic Cosmopolitanism and the Birth of Universal Rights.