The Cynic Philosophers
It is said that Crates and Hipparchia had two sons. Do you think it would be right for parents to raise children in the Cynic lifestyle? Defend your position, keeping in mind the Cynic position on politics and civilization.
● **Cynics largely ate little, wore little, and rarely had shelter
Critically discuss the choice of Hipparchia to become a Cynic philosopher. Do you think she made a good choice, or a bad one?
● **she became a cynic philosopher because she was enamoured with Crates and wanted to marry him. He wouldn't let her unless she became a Cynic
Critically discuss the story of Alexander's meeting with Diogenes. What were some of the lessons that antiquity drew from this story? In your view which man had greater power? Defend your position with evidence.
● Antiquity saw the story as an example of appetitive desires overtaking and ending Alexander's life early. And Diogones who lived a life of cynicism and minimalism lived a long life. ● Greater power depends on the context it's in. ○ Power over people vs. power over self
Compare and contrast the early founder, Diogenes, with the much later Cynic Demonax. Do you think that Demonax is really a Cynic by the old standard? Take a position and defend it using plenty of textual support.
● Demonax was loved by all and welcomed into households. He did still have the Socrates way of annoying people in the streets but eventually after many trials and defenses of himself, he became loved by all. Was also highly sarcastic.
Critically discuss the story of Diogenes being captured by pirates and sold into slavery. What do you think the story is intended to illustrate about the value of Cynic philosophy? Are you convinced by these stories? Defend your position.
● One is only a slave if they let someone else control their thoughts and values. A true cynic can be happy with whatever they are given and make the most of it, as they are used to living with little to begin with
Do you think that Diogenes is faithful to the original philosophy of his teacher Antisthenes? Compare and contrast the claims and lifestyles of Antisthenes and Diogenes, using plenty of textual detail.
● Plz not this question Beerman ● Argument that he was faithful (from my friend idk any information is good information) ○ Diogenes lived poorly like Antisthenes ○ Wore a cloak with holes in them ○ Slept in a basket ○ Antisthenes wouldn't let desires take control of him, and neither would Diogenes ○ Did not have many possessions ○ Emphasis on strength and resilience (preached by Anthisthenes, followed by Diogenes)
Antisthenes said that: "Virtuous people are the only true aristocrats." What do you think he meant by this statement --keeping in mind that he includes poverty in this notion? Do you agree? Defend your position.
● Possible ideas: living a virtuous life is better than those who live in positions of power and wealth.
In the short dialogue by Lucia called Kynikos (The Cynic), the main speaker Kynikos defends Cynic philosophy to Lycinus. List at least three of the premises he used to defend his philosopher. Do you agree with the support he gives? Take a position.
● There is vice in indulgence and virtue in economy ● Our versions of meeting our needs are different, and I have all of my needs fulfilled ● Living in greed makes our lives more complicated and harmful, as well as hurts many who need to make sacrifices for said lifestyles
What is your view of the Cynics abandonment of: logic, geometry, physics, music, and other subjects in education? Would you side with them more, or Plato? Take a position.
● They abandoned logic, geometry, physics, etc so they could focus on learning "where the good and evil is within our home"
