Meditations with Marcus:

A Philosophy of Life and Death

Course Description

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (121-180 C.E.) wrote his “Meditations” as a private journal.  His self-reflections continue to inspire inhabitants of the “great world city” he envisioned. In this course we will read and discuss his practical philosophy of daily living including thoughts on ethics, nature, leadership, the gods, death and more. Through selected readings (provided by the instructor), interactive lectures and screen presentations, class participants will “go deep” into the mind of a wise leader.

WEEK ONE

Task of the Philosopher

Zeno (sayings)

Early Stoic Philosophers

Main Themes of Stoicism

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations

Selected Sources and Resources

The Philosophy of Stoicism (TED)

WEEK TWO

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Branches and Virtues

Selected Teachings

Practical Stoic Principles

WEEK THREE

Live According to Nature

Perspective

Universal Wax

The Wellspring Within

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

WEEK FOUR

Roman Gods

WEEK FIVE

Marcus: The Nature of the Universe

WEEK SIX

Reading, Meditating, Seeking Wisdom. . .