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Concept information

Preferred term

cynics  

Definition

  • The term cynic originates from the Greek word for dog (kyôn), the most shameless animal according to Greek proverbs; it was originally attributed derisively to candid and shameless behavior. Diogenes of Sinope (412/403–324/321 BCE), however, adopted it as a positive description of the type of living he was advocating, which was characterized by the devaluation of every aspect of human convention and political structure. [Source: Encyclopedia of Political Theory; Cynics]

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/N9J-GMLFKQ9Z-B

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