institution
the Cynics
also: Cynici, Cynicorum, Cynic system
The Cynic philosophical movement, founded by Antisthenes and Diogenes of Sinope, which scorned convention and shame and advocated naming shameful things plainly. Cicero rejects the Cynic position outright as hostile to the sense of shame on which decency depends.
Reading notes
- On the Ends of Good and Evil §3.68 the reasoning and the way of life of the Cynics
Whether the Stoic sage might adopt the shameless, propertyless Cynic life was debated within the school: some allowed it should circumstances require, others rejected it outright. The Cynics were regarded as ethical forerunners of Stoicism.