The Hellenistic period saw the rise of new philosophical schools from "summary" of The Dream of Reason by Anthony Gottlieb
During the Hellenistic period, which followed the conquests of Alexander the Great, there was a remarkable flourishing of philosophical activity in the Greek world. This era was characterized by the rise of new schools of thought that sought to grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, ethics, and the good life. These schools were diverse in their approaches and teachings, reflecting the intellectual ferment of the time. One of the prominent philosophical schools that emerged during this period was Stoicism. Founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE, Stoicism offered a practical philosophy aimed at achieving inner tranquility and moral virtue. Stoics believed in living in harmony with nature and accepting whatever happened with equanimity. They emphasized the importance of reason, self-control, and ethical living as the keys to a fulfilled life. Another influential school that arose during the Hellenistic period was Epicureanism. Founded by Epicurus in the 4th century BCE, Epicureanism advocated for a life of pleasure as the highest good. However, Epicurus defined pleasure not as indulgence in sensual pleasures, but as the absence of pain and tranquility of the soul. The pursuit of pleasure was seen as a means to achieve ataraxia, or freedom from disturbance. In addition to Stoicism and Epicureanism, other philosophical schools such as Skepticism, Cynicism, and Neoplatonism also gained prominence during the Hellenistic period. Skeptics, like Pyrrho of Elis, doubted the possibility of attaining true knowledge and instead advocated for suspension of judgment. Cynics, inspired by Diogenes of Sinope, rejected conventional norms and embraced a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Neoplatonism, founded by Plotinus in the 3rd century CE, sought to synthesize Platonic philosophy with elements of Eastern mysticism.- The Hellenistic period was a time of intellectual ferment and innovation in the realm of philosophy. The rise of new schools of thought reflected the diverse range of perspectives and ideas that were circulating in the Greek world at the time. These schools offered different approaches to addressing the perennial questions of philosophy and continue to influence philosophical thinking to this day.
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