Arcesilao e la teoria stoica dell'azione

This article delves into the ancient philosophical dispute between Arcesilaus, the head of the Platonic Academy in 268‑266 BC, and the Stoic theory of action. Plutarch’s Adversus Colotem serves as the primary source for this debate. Colotes of Lampsacus, an Epicurean philosopher, claimed that Arcesilaus’ epistemological scepticism rendered life and action impossible. Plutarch, on the other hand, defends Arcesilaus and argues that the sceptical phase of the Academy (from Arcesilaus to Philo of Larissa) did not disrupt the history of the Platonic school. Plutarch explains that, although Arcesilaus criticized the Stoic theory of action according to Zeno of Citium and believed that assent was useless, he still believed that action based on representations and impulse was possible. In response to Arcesilaus, the Stoic Chrysippus of Soli later identified impulse and assent.