Meditation in Philosophical Practice as “Live Metaphysics” (Meditation Practices of the Stoic School) Cover Image

Medytacja w praktyce filozoficznej jako „żywa metafizyka” (praktyki medytacyjne w szkole stoickiej)
Meditation in Philosophical Practice as “Live Metaphysics” (Meditation Practices of the Stoic School)

Author(s): Marcin Fabjański
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: philosophical metaphysics; stoicism; Buddhism; mindfulness; the therapeutic nature of philosophy; altered states of consciousness; live metaphysics

Summary/Abstract: This article argues that if contemporary philosophical counseling wishes to perpetuate the spirit of ancient philosophy, it must also incorporate metaphysics. This kind of incorporation means, among other things, regarding as essential the implementation of the meditation practices of certain historical schools of philosophy. Meditation was an inherent feature not only of Eastern schools of thought, but also within Western philosophy (as the author demonstrates through the example of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations). These practices lead to a psychophysical state, known as ataraxia, which causes the perception of reality to undergo a radical change, including occasional “altered states of consciousness,” as they are known by psychology. The author calls such practices “live metaphysics.” He also maintains that, without the inclusion of such metaphysical practices, philosophical counselling and coaching lose their eudemonic character and become a means of hedonistic gratification in the service of the liberal ego of the contemporary man.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 44
  • Page Range: 1-9
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Polish
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