Diogenes of Babylon

Abstract

Diogenes of Babylon, or Diogenes of Seleucia (c. 240–150 BC) — a disciple of Chrysippus, a prominent representative of the last period of the Early Stoa, the head of the Stoic school after Zeno of Tarsus. In the writings of Diogenes, of which few fragments have been preserved, almost all the main and many auxiliary issues of stoic dogmatics were touched upon. Being more of a traditionalist than an innovator, Diogenes, nevertheless, specified and clarified school definitions, in some cases offered his own ones and sometimes deviated from stoic canons. He also paid attention to special topics, such as music. Diogenes enjoyed great authority, including among the Romans (Cicero called him "an authoritative and influential Stoic"). In 155 Diogenes visited Rome as a member of the Athenian embassy. Among his students was the founder of the Middle Stoa, Panaetius of Rhodes.