Jason Xenakis

Jason Byron Xenakis (1923–1977), was a Romanian-born Greek philosopher, and for a time, a significant presence in American philosophical scholarship about Epictetus and Stoicism. Born into an affluent expatriate Greek family in Brăila, Romania, He is known for pioneering work on the philosophy of Epictetus, modern interpretations of Stoicism and works on the philosophy of suicide. As an academic, he contributed scholarly work in philosophy and logic. His best known work is his 1969 book Epictetus. philosopher-therapist.

Early life and education

A son of Greek parents Klearchos Xenakis and Fotini Pavlou. After the death of his mother Fotin in 1927, he and his brothers Iannis Xenakis and Kosmas Xenakis, attended the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School on Spetses. During World War II, he joined the Greek resistance to fight against Axis forces occupying Greece. His contributions as part of the resistance were significant, showcasing his bravery and commitment to his country's freedom. This involvement highlights the widespread efforts by Greeks to resist occupation and fight for liberation during a challenging period in history. After the war, Xenakis pursued a degree in economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business. He participated in Nikos Kazantzakis’ literary circle, which may have influenced his later philosophical studies. In 1946, he moved to the US to study philosophy at Oberlin College, Ohio, graduating in 1948. Xenakis also excelled in sports, becoming the Greek Amateur Tennis Champion.

Academic career

Xenakis attended Harvard University, studying under philosopher and logician Willard Van Orman Quine. He completed his Ph.D. dissertation, “A non-reductionist interpretation of Plato’s ethics,” in 1953 and subsequently taught at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, McNeese State College, and Louisiana State University (LSU), where he became an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department.

Post-LSU years

Following his forced resignation from LSU, He and his wife relocated to Edmonton, Canada, later moving to the University of Victoria in British Columbia for another temporary role. Soon after, he accepted a position at Deree College in Athens. At Deree he taught introductory philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, logic, and Stoicism.

While in Greece, he led a quite life in Agia Paraskevi, focusing on his teaching and writing. His publication, 'Hippies and Cynics', which compiled several of his articles, became quite popular in Greece.

Philosophical work, views and controversies

In the late 1960s, Xenakis dedicated himself to the study and teaching of Stoicism, not just as a philosophical doctrine but as a practical way of life. In 1969, he published the first English-language book Epictetus. Philosopher Therapist solely focused on the philosophy of Epictetus. His approach to Stoicism, integrating elements of psychology, is considered to be ahead of its time and laid the groundwork for the Modern Stoicism movement. Xenakis was a vocal critic of various political, religious, and social norms. He supported civil rights and academic freedom. His public debates and academic choices, such as using Bertrand Russell's Why I am not a Christian as a course text, led to conflicts with the university administration and the wider community.

Personal life, tragedies, death

The latter years of Xenakis's life were marred by personal tragedy and legal troubles. The car accident in June 1969 resulted in significant physical injuries for Xenakis, while also involving a female student who would later play a pivotal role in his life. Following the accident, he faced legal troubles in September 1969 related to allegations of involvement with a minor. These charges were eventually dropped in October 1969 under a deal that required him to resign from LSU.

Xenakis's subsequent marriage to the student injured in the car crash helped resolve legal issues surrounding the accident. This series of events highlights the intertwining of personal and professional challenges in his life during that period.

Philosophical contributions and views on suicide

Xenakis continued to explore and teach Stoicism, emphasizing its application as a philosophy of life. His interpretation of Stoicism, particularly the concept of suicide as a form of radical freedom, was controversial. In his article Stoic Suicide Therapy, he argued that suicide offered an escape from unbearable situations, suggesting that the availability of this 'exit' meant that life should not be taken too seriously. This perspective contributed to his posthumous label as 'The Philosopher of Suicide', a title that highlighted his unconventional and provocative interpretations of Stoic philosophy.

Important articles and works

• Xenakis, J. (1953). A non-reductionist interpretation of Plato's ethics (Ph.D. thesis).
• Xenakis, J. (1957). "On the Theological Interpretation of Plato's Ethics". Harvard Theological Review. 50 (1): 67–70. doi:10.1017/S0017816000028388.
• Xenakis, J. (1957). Essence being and fact on Plato : an analysis of one of Theatetus' "koina". Kölner Universitätverlag.
• Xenakis, J. (1957). "Plato on statement and truth-value". Mind. 66 (262): 165–167. doi:10.1093/mind/LXVI.262.165.
• Xenakis, J. (1959). "Ordinary-language philosophy: Language, logic and philosophy". Synthese. 11 (3): 294–306. doi:10.1007/BF00486420.
• Xenakis, J. (1964). "Desupernaturalization". Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 3 (2): 181–188. doi:10.2307/1384507. JSTOR 1384507.
• Xenakis, J. (1968). "Logical Topics in Epictetus". The Southern Journal of Philosophy. 6 (2): 94–102. doi:10.1111/j.2041-6962.1968.tb02032.x.
• Xenakis, J. (1969). Epictetus. philosopher-therapist. Martinus Nijhoff.
• Xenakis, J. (1973). "Hippies and cynics". Inquiry. 16 (1–4): 1–15. doi:10.1080/00201747308601680.

External links

• Percy Williams Bridgman (1959). The Way Things Are. Harvard University Press. doi:10.4159/harvard.9780674731394. ISBN 978-0-674-73138-7.
• Oral history interview with Lynda Benglis, 2009
• A Biographical Sketch of Jason Xenakis (1923–1977) by Christopher Lee
• Dragona-Monachou, Myrto (1981). "The post-existentialist neo-stoicism of Jacon Xenakis and the stoic theory of suicide". The Greek Review of Social Research. 41 (41): 56–65. doi:10.12681/grsr.373.