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Can Hellenistic philosophy be considered a precursor to modern existentialism? If so, how and why?

Tamia Pitrasso

Hey there!

That’s a really interesting question you’ve posed. On the surface, it may seem like a tricky one, but after giving it some thought, I believe that Hellenistic philosophy can be considered a precursor to modern existentialism.

Now, before we delve deeper, let me give you a brief overview of both schools of thought. Hellenistic philosophy refers to the ideas and practices of Greek philosophers who lived between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and the emergence of Roman Empire in 31 BCE. This era saw the rise of various philosophies, including Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism.

On the other hand, existentialism is a philosophical movement that took shape in the wake of World War II. It emphasized the importance of individuality, freedom, and meaning in an otherwise absurd world. Existentialist philosophers believed that individuals bear responsibility for their own actions and must struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

So, what connects Hellenistic philosophy and existentialism? The answer lies in the Stoics, who believed in living a virtuous life that was rooted in reason and ethics. They stressed the importance of living in accordance with nature and developing a sense of self-sufficiency. Moreover, Stoics placed emphasis on human autonomy and free will, concepts that are central to existentialism.

Their focus on individual autonomy and the importance of reason and ethics became foundational values for existentialist thinkers. The Stoic philosopher, Epictetus, in particular, inspired numerous existentialists, including Jean-Paul Sartre, who saw in Epictetus' commitment to personal responsibility a predecessor of his own belief in human freedom. Similarly, Friedrich Nietzsche was heavily influenced by the Stoics, as evidenced in his ideas about self-mastery and the will to power.

Another aspect of Hellenistic philosophy that influenced existentialism was the idea of living in accordance with nature. The Stoics believed that happiness and well-being could be achieved by living in accordance with nature and rationality. Similarly, the existentialists believed in the importance of living authentically, in accordance with one's true nature, even if this meant breaking away from societal norms.

Overall, it is clear that Hellenistic philosophy was a significant precursor to modern existentialism. Through their ideas of personal responsibility, individual autonomy, and the importance of living in accordance with nature and rationality, the Stoics paved the way for existentialist thinkers. So, there you have it, my friend, I hope my answer helps you out!