The stoic cosmopolis: a vision of justice and virtue in a multicultural society

Abstract

The philosophical movements which evolved under circumstances of interaction of socio-political and cultural elements during late Hellenistic and early Roman times are characterised by a strong interest in social problems, a humanistic perspective and a desire for involvement in politics, with the intention of correcting wrongs. Cynics, Sceptics, Epicureans and Stoics become sensitive recipients of the changes taking place at the time and lay the foundations for a new era in philosophy. The Stoic thinkers in particular put forward original ideas, which will exert enormous influence on the political and moral thinking of the years to fo11ow as well as pinpointing the change in the orientation of philosophy itself.