More than 705 works were authored by the Stoic philosopher who served as the third head of the Stoic school in Athens. Chrysippus of Soli, who lived during the third century BC, formalised the school's doctrine to such an extent that his influence became the primary foundation for the movement's long-term endurance in the classical world.
Early Life and Academic Path
Born at Soli in Cilicia, Chrysippus was the son of Apollonius of Tarsus. In his youth, he suffered a significant financial loss when his property was confiscated by the state. He relocated to Athens, where he sought instruction from the Platonic Academy under Arcesilaus and Lacydes. Eventually, he committed himself to the Stoic school, studying under its scholarch, Cleanthes. He demonstrated a rigorous intellectual disposition, famously requesting that his master provide only the principles of the system, asserting that he would derive the necessary proofs independently.
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Upon the death of Cleanthes around 230 BC, Chrysippus assumed the position of scholarch, serving in this capacity until 205 BC. He was a prolific writer, reportedly producing 500 lines of text daily to support his extensive body of work. His comprehensive approach involved examining conflicting viewpoints, a methodology that led contemporary critics to accuse him of relying too heavily on existing literature. Despite stylistic criticisms, he gained recognition as the second founder of Stoicism, formalizing the theories initially set forth by Zeno of Citium.
Advancements in Propositional Logic
Chrysippus moved beyond the term-based logic of Aristotle by establishing a system of propositional logic. He categorized propositions into simple and non-simple forms, utilizing logical connectives to create complex structures. His focus on conditional statements led him to establish strict criteria for truth, specifically ensuring that the denial of a consequent remained logically incompatible with its antecedent. These efforts aimed to provide a rigorous framework for understanding the nature of the universe and the human role within it.
Death and Legacy
Chrysippus died in Athens at the age of 73 during the 143rd Olympiad, which spanned 208 to 204 BC. Accounts of his passing vary, with one source suggesting he died from dizziness after consuming undiluted wine and another attributing his death to a fit of laughter while observing a donkey eat figs. His nephew, Aristocreon, commemorated him with a statue in the Kerameikos. While his original manuscripts were lost, fragments have been preserved by later authors and through the 2004 discovery of papyri at Herculaneum.
Fast facts
- Born: -028, Soli
- Died: -020, Athens
- Movement: Stoicism
- Role: Scholarch of the Stoic school (-229 to -205)
- Works composed: Over 705
- Father: Apollonius of Tarsus
- Burial location: Tomb of Chrysippos, Athens
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Second Founder title?
Chrysippus received this title for expanding and codifying the doctrines of Zeno of Citium, effectively creating the definitive system of Stoicism.
Did any of his original writings survive?
No complete works survived, though fragments exist in the writings of later authors and among the Herculaneum papyri discovered in 2004.
