ABSTRACT
Most of the techniques and concepts involved in classical philosophical therapy must be reconstructed by careful analysis of a wide range of texts that hint at them, take them for granted, or allude to them in passing. Socrates himself wrote nothing that survives, but his character and the events of his life made such a profound impression upon his contemporaries that, following his notorious execution and propelled interest in philosophy to the forefront of Greek society. Diogenes and the Cynics placed greater emphasis upon the practical lifestyle of the philosopher, whereas Plato was more concerned with sophisticated philosophical dialogue. However, like much of classical philosophy, virtually the entire output of the Stoic school was either destroyed or lost, and only a few fragments and sayings survive from the school’s founders. The modern phenomenon of psychotherapy has led to an indirect and gradual rediscovery of practical Stoic exercises in the guise of the various modalities of cognitive–behavioural therapy.
