Musonius Rufus and Education in the Good Life: A Model of Teaching and Living Virtue

by J. T. Dillon

Overview

Called "The Roman Socrates," Musonius Rufus is a first-century Stoic philosopher who was famous for living and teaching the good life of virtue. This book describes his exemplary life, his ethical teachings, and the practical methods he used to educate people in the good life.

No armchair philosopher, Musonius Rufus was a champion of education, marriage, equality of the sexes, and freedom of the individual. But especially he taught how to live a virtuous life in difficult circumstances. His methods included Socratic discussion, training exercises, and close association with students such as Epictetus and other well-known figures of the time. Above all he was a living example of what he taught.

Based on the ancient texts and modern scholarship, this book is the first comprehensive treatment of Musonius Rufus, his life, teachings, and methods. It recounts his active life in dramatic times, describes his basic teachings and their application to practical problems of life, and systematically examines all aspects of his approach to education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761829027
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	10/01/2004
Pages:	110
Product dimensions:	6.96(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

J.T. Dillon is Professor in the School of Education at the University of California, Riverside. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: Teachings; Texts; Research on Musonius Chapter 2 Part One: Life and Teachings: Life of Musonius: Ambassador of Peace; Prosecution of Treachery; Equanimity in Exile Chapter 3 Basic Teachings: The Virtues and the Good Life; Discernment of the Good; Reasoning to the Good Chapter 4 Applied Problems: Necessities of Life; Sex, Marriage, and Family; Gender, Age, and Education; Dimensions of the Teaching Chapter 5 Part Two: Educational Approach: The Questions of Teaching; The Substance of Education: Subject; Aim; Result; Logical Order; The Students of Musonius: Various People; Philosophers; The Stoic Martyrs; The Classroom of Epictetus:" Tea Chapter 6 Musonius' Method of Education: General Methods; Basic Methods; Special Methods Chapter 7 Conclusion: Shall we learn from the teaching of Musonius Rufus? Chapter 8 Bibliography Chapter 9 Index Chapter 10 Note on the Author