Diogenes of Babylon
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” - Diogenes
Diogenes of Babylon, also known as Diogenes of Seleucia, was a notable Stoic philosopher born around 230 BC in Seleucia on the Tigris, which is in modern-day Iraq, and died around 150/140 BC. He was a crucial figure in the Stoic school, succeeding Zeno of Tarsus as its head, or scholarch, in Athens during the 2nd century BC. Educated under the renowned Stoic Chrysippus, Diogenes continued and expanded upon many of his teachings, particularly in the realm of dialectic, where he is said to have instructed Carneades, a prominent Academic philosopher.
Diogenes was part of an embassy to Rome in 155 BC, alongside Carneades and the Peripatetic Critolaus, aiming to appeal a fine imposed on Athens. This visit significantly contributed to the spread of Stoic philosophy among the Romans, and Cicero later praised Diogenes as a "great and important Stoic." His diplomatic mission allowed him to influence Roman philosophy and rhetoric, giving him a lasting impact on the intellectual scene of Rome.
While none of Diogenes' writings have survived in full, his contributions to Stoicism are known through fragments and quotations preserved by later authors like Cicero and Philodemus. Diogenes wrote on a wide range of subjects including dialectic, divination, music, and rhetoric. His work on music is particularly noted, where he posited that music could harmonise and heal the soul, a concept that influenced later philosophical discussions on the effects of music on human psychology.
Among his students were influential Stoics like Panaetius, who would go on to establish Roman Stoicism. Diogenes' philosophy involved a blend of traditional Stoic ethics, emphasising living by nature, alongside practical considerations for daily life, which included adaptations to political and social contexts. His role in Stoic thought is pivotal, bridging the early Hellenistic Stoa with its later Roman development, and his teachings continue to be studied for their depth in ethical and cosmological theories.
The Body Of Work
Diogenes of Babylon, although a significant figure in Stoicism, left behind no complete works that have survived to the present day. However, his contributions to philosophy are known through references, fragments, and citations in the works of later scholars, particularly those of Cicero, Sextus Empiricus, and Philodemus. Here's a summary of the known aspects of his body of work:
Dialectic and Logic:
Diogenes was renowned for his proficiency in dialectic, which was central to Stoic philosophy for arguing and clarifying concepts. His teachings influenced later Stoics and even opponents like Carneades, the Academic sceptic.
Ethics:
His ethical philosophy followed traditional Stoic lines, emphasising living by nature and virtue. He likely contributed to the Stoic discourse on moral philosophy, though specifics are sparse.
Music:
One of the more unique contributions of Diogenes was in the philosophy of music. He argued for music's therapeutic and moral benefits, suggesting it could harmonise the soul and contribute to ethical living. This was one of the areas where he expanded Stoic thought into practical applications.
Rhetoric:
Diogenes' involvement in the embassy to Rome in 155 BC indicates his skill in rhetoric. He would have discussed Stoic principles in ways that could appeal to Roman sensibilities, helping to popularise Stoicism in Roman culture.
Divination:
He wrote on divination, exploring Stoic views on fate and the possibility of predicting events, aligning with the Stoic belief in a deterministic universe where divine signs could be interpreted.
Physics and Cosmology:
While less is known about his specific contributions to Stoic physics, as head of the Stoic school, he would have taught on the Stoic conception of the cosmos, including their theories on the elements, the universe's cyclical nature, and the divine fire (logos).
Lost Works:
Titles of his works are not well-preserved, but we know from references that he wrote treatises on various subjects. These would have included:
On Voice and Speech, where he might have discussed the elements of rhetoric and dialectic.
On Music, detailing his theories on music's psychological and ethical effects.
On Divination, discussing Stoic views on prophecy and signs.
Diogenes' influence on Stoicism was profound, particularly in how he helped to bridge Greek Stoicism with its later Roman adaptation. His teachings, as preserved through secondary sources, illustrate a philosopher who was both a conservator of Stoic doctrine and an innovator, applying Stoic principles to new contexts like music and public discourse in Rome.
Big Takeaways
Here are five big takeaways from Diogenes of Babylon's work, explained simply:
Better at Arguing:
Diogenes was good at debates and making strong points. He taught people how to think clearly and argue well, which influenced a lot of philosophers, even those who disagreed with him.
Living a Good Life:
He took the idea of living a virtuous life from Stoicism and made it practical. He showed how you can be ethical in your everyday actions, like being honest or kind, no matter what society you live in.
Music is Good for You:
Diogenes believed that music isn't just for fun; it can make you a better person by calming your mind and teaching you moral values. He thought music could help you live a better, more balanced life.
Teaching Romans About Philosophy:
When he went to Rome, he helped spread the idea of Stoicism, which is like teaching people to stay calm and wise no matter what happens. His visit helped shape how Romans thought about life and philosophy.
Keeping Philosophy Growing:
As a leader of his school, Diogenes made sure Stoicism didn't die out but kept growing. He taught new students who would later spread these ideas, ensuring his philosophy lived on and evolved.
These points show how Diogenes made philosophy not just something for thinkers but something that could help anyone live a better life.