The Stoic tradition in Russian and Western existentialism: Lev Shestov and Karl Jaspers

The article investigates the Stoic tradition in Russian and Western existentialism, drawing on example of philosophy L. Shestov K.Jaspers. Applying methods textual analysis, study focuses their accounts what Stoics did preached (or would have done preached), instead revealing alleged conceptual affinities between existentialism. author shows that both thinkers used these as crucial points reference, developing upholding own key doctrines: refutation rationalism (L. Shestov), experience boundary situations existential communication (K.Jaspers). Yet, they expressed serious criticism ideas emphasised people not achieve highest aim philosophising if pursued strategies Stoics. highlights fact K.Jaspers were neither historians nor proponents Stoicism examined doctrines but a set certain values. form content arguments make it possible to consider them coherent narratives. Thus, suggests attitudes values offered existentialism give an essential guide how one ought or exist, act think.