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Philosophy as a Way of Life: Between Theory and Transformation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 October 2025

Reza Hosseini Open the ORCID record for Reza Hosseini [Opens in a new window]
Reza Hosseini*
Affiliation:
The Independent Institute of Education, Rosebank College, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Email: rezahosseiniza@gmail.com
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Abstract

John Cooper contends that ancient philosophers shared certain fundamental assumptions about the “motivating power” of truth and knowledge that have been abandoned by post-Renaissance philosophers. Consequently, he claims that those seeking philosophy as a guide to the good life can only find it in the works of ancient philosophers. I challenge that conclusion by arguing that philosophy as a way of life has not disappeared but has evolved. A key indicator of this continuity is the enduring presence of “professional” philosophers who, like their ancient counterparts, remain concerned with what used to be called “the state of one’s soul.”

Résumé

Résumé

John Cooper soutient que les philosophes de l’Antiquité partageaient certaines convictions fondamentales concernant le « pouvoir motivateur » de la vérité et du savoir, convictions ensuite abandonnées par les philosophes postérieurs à la Renaissance. Par conséquent, selon lui, quiconque cherche dans la philosophie un guide pour bien vivre ne peut le trouver que chez les Anciens. Je conteste cette conclusion en défendant l’idée que la philosophie comme manière de vivre n’a pas disparu, mais a évolué. Un signe clair de cette continuité est la présence durable de philosophes « professionnels » qui, à l’instar des Anciens, demeurent préoccupés par « l’état de l’âme ».

Keywords

Socratesphilosophy as a way of lifephilosophy as spiritual exercisesJohn Coopercare of the soul

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Article
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Dialogue: Canadian Philosophical Review / Revue canadienne de philosophie , First View , pp. 1 - 12
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Canadian Philosophical Association/Publié par Cambridge University Press au nom de l’Association canadienne de philosophie

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