A Contamination of Philosophy by Religion? Reassessing Hadotâs Notion of Spiritual Exercises

Marta Faustino

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Chapter 5 A Contamination of Philosophy by Religion? Reassessing Hadotâs Notion of Spiritual Exercises

In: Hadot and Foucault on Ancient Philosophy

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Marta Faustino

Marta Faustino
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 115â136

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004693524_007

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Abstract

This chapter discusses one of the most frequent criticisms made against Hadotâs notion of spiritual exercises, focusing on one of his most fervent critics, John Cooper. According to the latter, the notion of spiritual exercises is derived from religion and Hadotâs use of it inaccurately blurs the distinction between the philosophical and the religious way of life. After i) clarifying the roots of Hadotâs notion of spiritual exercises, ii) outlining his own direct answers to similar criticisms, and iii) contextualizing the notion in ancient philosophical forms of askÄsis, I argue that Cooperâs critical reading of Hadot is essentially determined by a narrower understanding of spirituality and a competing conception of what philosophy is. Although Cooperâs divergence from Hadot seems to be more terminological than philosophical or even hermeneutical in nature, their contrasting accounts bring to light two different metaphilosophies and two competing understandings not only of what philosophy was in antiquity but also of what it should become in contemporary times.

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Hadot and Foucault on Ancient Philosophy

Critical Assessments

Series:Â Philosophy as a Way of Life, Volume: 5

Cover Hadot and Foucault on Ancient Philosophy

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004693524

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 20 Feb 2024

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Ancient Philosophy
  - 19th & 20th Century Philosophy

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Chapter 5 A Contamination of Philosophy by Religion? Reassessing Hadotâs Notion of Spiritual Exercises

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Hadot and Foucault on Ancient Philosophy

Critical Assessments

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Chapter 5 A Contamination of Philosophy by Religion? Reassessing Hadotâs Notion of Spiritual Exercises