Oikeiōsis (οἰκείωσις)

oikeiōsis • oy-kay-OH-sis
Greek Ethics Browse O

Meaning

The process of self-ownership and the expansion of concern to others.

In practice: How we recognize ourselves and others as belonging to a community.

Examples & notes

  • Oikeiōsis starts with self-preservation and ends in global cosmopolitanism.
  • Hierocles used the image of concentric circles to explain oikeiōsis.

Seen in

Hierocles Cicero

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