About Us

Founded in 2008 by Erik Wiegardt, the College of Stoic Philosophers is the first 21st-century school dedicated to the study and practice of Stoic philosophy. We are committed to a traditional Stoic core curriculum composed of Logic, Physics, and Ethics. Advanced and applied courses delve into more complex, esoteric, and metaphysical aspects of Stoic philosophy, specifically the nature of duty, Providence and free will.

The College is designed for adult life-long learning and independent study. Rather than traditional grades and credits, students progress through regular interaction with faculty mentors through our Moodle learning management system and synchronous meetings. Because we believe philosophy is a way of life, our faculty is drawn exclusively from among our own graduates, ensuring that those who teach are themselves practitioners of the path they oversee.

Our Mission and Educational Philosophy

We endeavor to educate all who would be Stoics — those who aspire to the “Good Life” and wish to excel in their roles as family members, workers, creators, and leaders within the world community. Our educational philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy must aim at improving one’s character and conduct. We believe Stoicism should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. Admission is limited only by the requirement that a student appears sufficiently mature and capable of successfully completing the rigorous program. Read more about our Guiding Principles.

Our Collegium: A Community of Practice

The College functions as a collegium in the classical sense. In Ancient Rome, a collegium was a voluntary association bound by common statutes to pursue a collective purpose. The College mirrors this tradition, operating as a formal body where members are bound by a commitment to the “Stoa” as a lived reality. The collegium is defined not merely by a curriculum, but also by a shared social identity and common vocation studying and practicing Stoic philosophy.

In our Collegium, learning is an apprenticeship. Participants refine the tools of the trade  through communal feedback and peer interaction. This transition from knowing Stoic theory to being a Stoic practitioner within a structured social framework is what makes the College of Stoic Philosophes a true classical collegium.

We are The Stoa.