Zeno of Citium

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Zeno of Citium (c. 334 – c. 262 BC) was a Hellenistic philosopher from Citium, Cyprus, and the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, which he taught in Athens from about 300 BC. Based on the moral ideas of the Cynics, Stoicism laid great emphasis on the goodness and peace of mind gained from living a life of virtue in accordance with nature.

Life

Zeno was born in Citium, a Greek colony on the island of Cyprus. His father was a merchant, and Zeno followed in his footsteps until he was shipwrecked near Athens. There, he discovered the works of Socrates and became deeply interested in philosophy. He studied under the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes, the Megarian philosopher Stilpo, and the dialectician Diodorus Cronus.

Philosophy

Zeno's philosophy was heavily influenced by the teachings of Socrates and the Cynics. He believed that the purpose of life was to live in agreement with nature, which he equated with living virtuously. Zeno taught that happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved by aligning one's will with the divine reason (logos) which governs the universe.

Ethics

Zeno's ethical teachings emphasized the importance of virtue, which he defined as a life in accordance with nature. He believed that virtue was the only true good and that external things such as wealth, health, and reputation were indifferent. This concept is known as Stoic ethics.

Logic

Zeno also made significant contributions to the field of logic. He developed a system of propositional logic that was later refined by his successors. His work in logic laid the groundwork for the development of Stoic logic.

Physics

In the realm of physics, Zeno posited that the universe is a single, coherent entity governed by a divine rational principle (logos). He believed that everything that happens is the result of a rational and deterministic order.

Legacy

Zeno's teachings were carried on by his followers, most notably Cleanthes and Chrysippus, who further developed and systematized Stoic philosophy. The Stoic school remained one of the most influential philosophical movements in the Hellenistic world and later in the Roman Empire.

Related Pages

• Stoicism
• Cynicism
• Socrates
• Crates of Thebes
• Cleanthes
• Chrysippus
• Hellenistic philosophy