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Figs in Winter

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How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life--Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy

How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life--Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy

An exploration of ancient Skepticism and why it's relevant to modern life, using the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero as a guide.

2026

Massimo Pigliucci

Massimo Pigliucci

Stories

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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1d ago

On democracy

We talk a lot about it, but what is it, exactly?

Democracy

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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4d ago

The battle that started Western Civilization

Notes on a secular pilgrimage at the site of Marathon

The tumulus where the Athenians who fell at Marathon are buried

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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6d ago

Two meanings of truth

How an ancient debate sheds light on modern fake news and alternative facts

Protagoras the Sophist vs Plato the Philosopher

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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Jul 13

Is Stoicism politically conservative?

A study in contrasts sheds some light on the relationship between Stoic principles and politics

Cicero Denounces Catiline

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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Jul 10

The meaning of life, or lack thereof?

Perhaps we should be talking of goals in, not meaning of, life?

Thinking about the meaning of life. Or is it the goal of life?

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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Jul 8

Profiles in pseudoscience: Steve Fuller

The originator of social epistemology is full of it (no, not of epistemology)

Steve Fuller (left) menacingly pointing his finger at Massimo Pigliucci (right). Also in the picture, moderator Jay Shapiro and co-panelist Joanna Kavenna, a novelist. Photo by Jennifer Sears.

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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Jul 6

The great transformation of the Axial Age

Did humanity undergo a psychological and moral revolution between 800 and 200 BCE?

Karl Jaspers, the proposer of the concept of an Axial Age

In

Philosophy Today

by

Figs in Winter

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Jul 3

The problem of the Prince

Renaissance political thought and its relevance for modern governance

Francesco Petrarca

Figs in Winter

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Aug 8, 2025

Epictetus as Socratic teacher

The sage of Hierapolis knew how to challenge his students

Epictetus as Socratic teacher

Figs in Winter

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Aug 6, 2025

Practice like a Stoic: 27, Act the opposite of anger

Change your behavior, it will change your emotions

Practice like a Stoic: 27, Act the opposite of anger

Figs in Winter

Figs in Winter

Book Author

by Massimo Pigliucci, a scientist, philosopher, and Professor at the City College of New York. Exploring and practicing Stoicism & other philosophies of life.

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