SENECA MEDICUS. THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES AND PHILOSOPHICAL PROTREPTIC IN CONSOLATIO AD HELVIAM Cover Image

SENECA MEDICUS. PRACTICI TERAPEUTICE ȘI PROTREPTIC FILOSOFIC ÎN CONSOLATIO AD HELVIAM
SENECA MEDICUS. THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES AND PHILOSOPHICAL PROTREPTIC IN CONSOLATIO AD HELVIAM

Author(s): Constantin-Ionuț Mihai
Subject(s): Ancient Philosphy
Published by: Editura Universitaria Craiova
Keywords: Seneca; Ad Helviam; ancient consolation; philosophical therapy; protreptic; conversion to philosophy;

Summary/Abstract: In this article, I pursue two aims. First, I will discuss some therapeutic techniques and strategies Seneca made use of in his Ad Helviam, focusing on the philosopher’s role qua medicus. I will explore to what extent the acquaintance with the tradition of philosophical therapy allowed Seneca to portray himself as a ‘physician of the soul’ with moral and intellectual authority, relating his text to other works of ‘ancient psychotherapy’. The second aim is to provide a close analysis of Ad Helviam, 17, 1-18, 1, in which we find an encouragement to the study of the liberal arts and philosophy. As I intend to demonstrate, Seneca’s main concern here was to show his audience the value of a life dedicated to moral improvement, in other words, to persuade his would-be readers to convert to philosophy. The content and the rhetorical structure of the text invite comparison with other philosophical writings of protreptic intent from Greco-Roman antiquity. Such an approach will allow us to readdress not only the question of the genre of Seneca’s text but also that of its intended audience.

  • Issue Year: 2/2022
  • Issue No: 50
  • Page Range: 24-40
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Romanian
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