Diogenes The Cynic: The War Against The World

Diogenes The Cynic: The War Against The World

For over eight hundred years, philosophersâ€”men and womenâ€”who called themselves Cynics, literally "dogs" in their language, roamed the streets and byways of the Hellenistic world, teaching strange ideas and practicing a bizarre way of life. Among them, the most important and distinctive was Diogenes of Sinope, who became the archetype of Classical Cynicism. In this comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and engaging book, philosopher Luis E. Navia undertakes the task of reconstructing Diogenesâ€™ life and extracting from him lessons that are valuable in our time.

The book is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides a biographical sketch of Diogenes constructed on the basis of ancient testimonies. In Chapter 2, the practice of Cynicism, as exemplified by Diogenes, is elucidated. This "war against the world," as Navia describes it, especially the rhetoric of Cynicism, was the primary medium used by the Cynics to convey their message. Chapter 3 clarifies the roots and basis of the Cynic metamorphosis, that is, the process by which Diogenes transformed himself into a dog. This process involves complex psychological, sociological, and philosophical factors, chief among which was Socratesâ€™ influence on Diogenes through the agency of Antisthenes. Chapter 4 reconstructs the philosophy of Diogenes by identifying twelve principles of his thought. In Chapter 5, the influence of Diogenes is discussed. Navia emphasizes the vast difference between Diogenesâ€™ ideas and style of life on the one hand and, on the other, what is nowadays called cynicism.

The book provides abundant references to ancient testimonies and modern scholarship. It includes an extensively annotated translation of Diogenes Laertiusâ€™s biography of Diogenes and a comprehensive bibliography.
Country USA
Manufacturer Humanity Books
Binding Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate 2005-07-30
Format Kindle eBook

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Humanity Books
Binding	Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate	2005-07-30
Format	Kindle eBook

Diogenes The Cynic: The War Against The World

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