Cynicism Cynicism is a term used to describe the philosophical beliefs and practices of an ancient Greek philosophy school that is primarily based upon the lives and teachings of Anisthenes and Diogenes of Sinope. This school was founded c.400 B.C.E, in the Hellenistic period of Greek history. It is considered a Socratic school as the philosophies founder; Antisthenes studied under Socrates and used certain Socratic ethical doctrines for the basis of his teachings. However, Cynicism also incorporated the rhetorical practices of the Sophists into their tradition. Unlike most ancient Greek philosophy traditions, the �ideals� of Cynicism seem to be based upon the lives of Antisthenes and Diogenes of Sinope, and mythical characters, such as Heracles and Odysseus rather than from literary texts or specific doctrines, (Diogenes of Sinope � A study of Greek Cynicism) However, upon the study of the lives of Antisthenes and Diogenes, basic �essential doctrines� of the Cynics become obvious.

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