Photograph of Max Biezenski standing in front of a bookshelf.

Maximilian Biezenski

Ph.D. Student

Philosophy

People Directory Affiliation Category

Research Interests

Ancient Philosophy, Stoicism, Inuit Philosophy, Eastern Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Existentialism, Philosophy of life/living

Biography

  • B.A. Honours (Philosophy), University of Regina
  • M.A. (Philosophy), Queen鈥檚 University
  • M.A. (Classics), Queen鈥檚 University

Maximilian鈥檚 research follows a theme of holism in the sense of philosophies that take an interest in life as we live it as primary to their projects. This theme is sometimes categorized as philosophy of life or living, or philosophy as a way of life. Maximilian鈥檚 interest in this subject began with Greek philosophy and the paradigmatic example of Socrates. While Greek and Roman philosophy, especially Stoicism, remain of significant interest, Maximilian鈥檚 research into this area extends also, for example, into Eastern philosophy, Existentialism, and Canadian Indigenous philosophies.

While themes of how to live often fall into the field of ethics, the emphasis of Maximilian鈥檚 research is less concerned with correct normative and moral prescriptions and more interested in grappling with life as we come face to face with it, how to understand it and what to do about it. Maximilian鈥檚 first MA thesis (Philosophy) explores parallels between 20th century Existentialism and Eastern philosophy. His second MA thesis (Classics) investigates the current popularity of Ancient Stoicism.

Maximilian鈥檚 doctoral research continues to explore Stoicism and its value in application, in addition to finding connections with other systems of holistic philosophical thought, especially such as Inuit philosophy, which Maximilian has a special interest in as an Inuit person himself. Aiding his research, Maximilian also works on skill in Greek, Latin, and Inuktitut.

Publications

鈥淐ylinders and Doctors: Properly Understanding Stoic Compatibilism.鈥 CERES 6 (2024): 12鈥17.