Foreign thinker
Massimo Pigliucci
Massimo PigliucciPhilosophy of science and modern StoicismItalian-Americanb. 1964
In their times
Open in the Timeline of Thought
Life and Thought
Massimo Pigliucci is an Italian-American philosopher and biologist who has become one of the leading figures in the contemporary revival of Stoicism, known as "modern" or "new" Stoicism, as well as a prominent critic of pseudoscience within the philosophy of science. Before turning to philosophy, he worked as an evolutionary biologist, and he now teaches philosophy at the City College of New York (CUNY). His widely read book "How to Be a Stoic" is among his best-known works.
Massimo Pigliucci was born on January 16, 1964, in Liberi, Italy. His academic path began in the natural sciences: a doctorate in genetics from the University of Ferrara in Italy, a doctorate in botany from the University of Connecticut, and eventually a PhD in philosophy of science from the University of Tennessee. For years he worked as an evolutionary biologist in fields such as ecological genetics and evolutionary theory, including a position at Stony Brook University.
Over time, his interests shifted increasingly toward the philosophy of science, the demarcation problem between science and pseudoscience, and philosophy as a way of life. He now serves as professor of philosophy at the City College of New York (CUNY). His notable works in this area include "Denying Evolution" and "Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk," in which he addresses the demarcation problem and critiques pseudoscientific claims.
Pigliucci is one of the prominent figures of the movement known as "Modern Stoicism," which seeks to reinterpret the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca for contemporary life. His bestselling book, "How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life," is among the most significant works in this field. He also runs the "How to Be a Stoic" blog and previously wrote the "Rationally Speaking" blog. His thought combines scientific rigor, methodical skepticism, and practical Stoic ethics.