Ilsetraut Hadot (1928-2026) Pioneer of Philosophy as a Way of Life

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 This is a small tribute I wrote on Bluesky and copied here.

Ilsetraut Hadot died recently. She was a key, yet often-forgotten, figure in Philosophy as a Way of Life (PWL) studies. Her PhD thesis on Seneca and Spiritual Guidance anticipated the work of her husband Pierre Hadot, whom she greatly influenced.



It seems that the relationship between Ilsetraut and Pierre Hadot was what Helen de Cruz dubbed "philosophical friendship". Philo friends can talk together, form ideas together, and write together (they co-authored a book on learning philosophy in Antiquity)

Pierre Hadot said "My wife's book [Her PhD thesis] and the conversations we had together revealed to me new aspects of the phenomenon I was trying to understand. This ultimately led, in 1977, to the [article] entitled 'Spiritual Exercises'"

Another example: Ilsetraut Hadot said of Pierre Hadot: "His keen interest in Stoicism (especially in Marcus Aurelius), as well as in the works of Goethe, came from my influence." She says this in the context of defending Pierre Hadot's philosophy from misrepresentations.

Aside from her work on Seneca, she translated Simplicius. Her translation of Simplicius' Commentary of Epictetus is an important part of the co-authored book on learning philosophy in antiquity. Together the Hadots shared a passion for the history & philology of philosophy

This is just a small tribute. In the context of a philosophical friendship, friends come up with ideas together & who gets "credit" is a bit arbitrary, given how it is an act of blended co-creation. Still, let's remember all participants, as philosophy advances through dialogue & mutual support.

Let's end with a link to another tribute (in French), which is also, if you are interested to explore this area a study, a link to the website of the International Society for Philosophy as a Way of Life (ISPWL), a treasure trove of resources for a wiser life.







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