Stoicon 2017: Modern Stoicism Conference

Stoicon is an annual international conference on applying Stoic philosophy to modern life, organized by Modern Stoicism. It’s now in its fourth year and we anticipate having 350-400 attendees in Toronto. Stoicon 2017 is scheduled for Saturday 14th October, and will take place in Toronto, Canada. NB: Ticket prices are therefore listed in Canadian dollars. If you’re interested in Stoic philosophy, whatever your background or occupation, this conference is meant for you. Our aim is to make Stoic philosophy accessible to everyone by highlighting its practical relevance to the everyday challenges people face in different aspects of modern life. You may also be interested in attending our Stoicon-x Toronto 2017 event the following day, on Sunday 15th October.

We open this year with a brief introduction to Stoic philosophy followed by a series of talks by some of the leading authors in the field. In the afternoon, you will be able to choose between different parallel sessions, including an introductory workshop for newcomers to applied Stoicism. The day concludes with the keynote presentation on Stoicism and Emotion by one of the leading experts in this area, Margaret Graver, Professor of Classical Studies at Dartmouth College. This year's theme is Stoicism at Work. Discounted tickets are available for students in full-time education and seniors.

Check for Discounts on Stoicon 2017 Tickets

Full Schedule

8 – 9am Registration and coffee

Plenary Sessions

• 9am Introduction: What is Stoicism?
  Donald Robertson, author of Teach Yourself Stoicism
• 9.30am How to be a Stoic: Conversations with Epictetus
  Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to be a Stoic
• 10am The Stoic Minimalist: Practicing Stoicism, Avoiding Controversies
  Dr. Chuck Chakrapani, author of Unshakable Freedom: Ancient Stoic Secrets Applied to Modern Life

10.30am Morning break (30 min.)

• 11am Stoicism, Buddhism, and Judaism
  Dr. Ronald Pies, author of Everything has Two Handles
• 11.30am Living the Best Possible Life: Epictetus’ Rx for Clarity, Ease, and Serenity.
  Sharon Lebell, author of The Art of Living
• 12pm Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in the Words of Epictetus
  Dr. Walter Matweychuk, author of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Newcomer’s Guide
• 12.30pm Phobias, Terrorism, and Stoic Fearlessness
  Prof. William O. Stephens, author of Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed

1 – 2.30pm Lunch break

Parallel Talks & Workshops

2.30 – 4pm

• Stoicism and Values Clarification (Workshop)
  Prof. Christopher Gill, author of The Structured Self in Hellenistic and Roman Thought
  Tim LeBon, author of Wise Therapy
• Stoicism and Creativity (Talk)
  Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle is the Way
• Stoic Perspectives on Leisure, Work, Duty, Discipline, and Vocation (Talk)
  Stephen Hanselman, author of The Daily Stoic
• Stoicism, Military Resilience and Thriving (Workshop)
  Thomas Jarrett, LCSW, former Combat Operational Stress Control Officer and author of Stoic Resilience and Warrior Resilience & Thriving Training training programs.
• Dealing with Difficult People At Work – Stoic Strategies (Workshop)
  Dr. Greg Sadler & Andi Sciacca, of ReasonIO
• Introduction to Stoic Psychological Skills (Workshop)
  Donald Robertson, author of The Philosophy of CBT: Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy

4 – 4.30pm Afternoon break

Keynote

4.30 – 5.15pm

The Dispassionate Life
Prof. Margaret Graver, author of Stoicism and Emotion

5.15 – 5.30pm Closing

5.30 – 6.30pm Reception

Sunday

There will also be an additional (optional) Stoicon-x event on the Sunday in downtown Toronto.

NB: Please note that details of the Stoicon event may be subject to change.

FAQs

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email us via admin@modernstoicism.com or use the contact form on our Modern Stoicism website.

What's the refund policy?

We will offer a full refund for Stoicon 2017 tickets if the request is made at least two weeks prior to the event. After this date, you may send an alternate to the event without additional charge as long as you notify us at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Will tickets be sold at the door?

Tickets are currently only available online.

Can you recommend accomodation?

The conference venue is the Holiday Inn Toronto-Yorkdale hotel, who will provide accommodation at a discounted rate if you're attending Stoicon 2017. We cannot guarantee that rooms for all delegates will be available at the Holiday Inn. However, there are several other hotels nearby where you can stay.

Use the link below to obtain a discounted rate for rooms at the Holiday Inn Toronto-Yorkdale:

North York Business District Rate - 5% Off - Holiday Inn Toronto Yorkdale

What were previous Stoicon conferences like?

You can watch this YouTube video about one of our previous conferences, and some of the previous talks are available online.