Routledge The Stoics on Determinism and Compatibilism (Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Philosophy)

The Stoics on Determinism and Compatibilism is an important book which reconstructs the arguments deployed by the Stoics in favour of the view that everything is necessary and examines the development of the different arguments given by the Stoics that this is compatible with moral responsibility and desert. The book carefully distinguishes two separate theses in Stoic theory, that everything that happens and is the case has a cause and that causation is necessitating. The book also provides a new reconstruction of Stoic compatibilism distinguishing four different compatibilist theories. Salles has written a book which is non-technical in it's approach and which assesses the Stoic positions on determinism, compatibilism, freedom and responsibility in the light of the modern debate on this issue. Covering not just the ancient debates and thinkers such as Epictetus and Chrysippus but also examining the compatibilist views of the major modern theorist Harry Frankfurt, finding indications of his main intuitions already present in the Stoic arguments and tackling the positions of Suzanne Bobzien. Review '... a judicious and well-documented account of the Stoic position on these two topics.' Mind '... the book is written in a clear, crisp style. There is also a depth of argument that obviously cannot be captured in a short review.' Metapsychology Online 'This is a lucid book; the views defended in it are well-supported by accurate readings of the texts as well as by sound arguments. Both professional scholars and advanced students of ancient philosophy will enjoy it and find much food for thought and discussion.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review ’...this is a valuable work that will be useful to all who are interested in Stoicism and ancient determinism.’ Journal of the History of Philosophy ’Salles' manner of exposition is in general extraordinarily lucid, making it easy to comprehend the structure of his argument even where the material itself is difficult.’ Aestimatio About the Author Dr Ricardo Salles is from the Instituto de Investigaciones Filosoficas at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico.