Foundations: A Seminar on the Great Books of Political Philosophy – Hellenistic Philosophies

The Civil Discourse Project and The Lemur: Duke’s Big Ideas Magazine hosted an evening of learning with Dr. Christopher Coome. The Foundations seminar introduces students to the philosophical traditions that shaped modern political thought and discourse. During this engaging session, Dr. Coome guided attendees through an exploration of four major Hellenistic philosophies: Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue, rationality, and accepting what lies beyond our control; Cynicism, which challenged conventional social norms and advocated for living in accordance with nature; Skepticism, which questioned the possibility of certain knowledge and encouraged the suspension of judgment; and Epicureanism, which sought tranquility through the pursuit of modest pleasures and freedom from fear. The seminar provided students with foundational insights into these ancient schools of thought and their enduring influence on contemporary political philosophy and ethical reasoning.