Cynicism

Review Questions

 

 

1.  Terms:  cynic (dictionary definition), Antisthenes, autarkeia, dog-like, Diogenes Laertius, Diogenes of Sinope, Hipparchia

 

2.  Text-Based Questions:

a) Briefly describe the Cynics approach to happiness.

b) What events from the life of Diogenes of Sinope do you think best illustrate his ethic of cynicism?  

     
 

Reflection Questions

[for contemplation only; these questions do not have to be written out]

 

Cynicism continues to be a popular approach to happiness for many intelligent young people in our own society. What do you think some of the advantages of the cynical approach to happiness are?  What are some of the disadvantages?  Do you think that a cynic can ever find happiness in life?  Why or why not?