An application in time of pandemic of the ancient Stoics' social oikeiōsis (affiliation) to other humans

Prof. Sir Richard Sorabji

University of Oxford

September 30, 2021

Starts in New York 12.00 p.m. / Oxford 5.00 p.m. / Budapest 6.00 p.m. / Athens 7.00 p.m.

 According to the ancient Stoics, an individual feels affiliation towards his or her own body, and then for other humans in concentric circles of more or less proximity. Care for offspring is natural, equally among animals. Care for those further out calls for our effort, but the Stoics prescribe it. The Stoics encourage each of us to pull the circles of others closer towards ourselves at the centre and provides techniques for doing so. Oikeiōsis will also help social legislators. During a pandemic there is more need than usual for affiliation. Others may, for example, need food, services, or teaching delivered at home.