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]
Broader concept
Belongs to group
URI
https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/cynics
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