The stoic wisdom of Seneca

  • Anatoly V. Rubanau Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

Abstract

The subject of this article is the reconstruction of the system of views of the Ancient Roman philosopher Seneca on stoic ethics and the wisdom of life in the «Moral Letters to Lucilius». Seneca’s explanation of the foundations of the universe is shown, including the concepts of reason (God), necessity, fate (fortune), soul, happiness, and pleasure. His ideas about the meaning of life, the goals and tactics of human actions, the assessment of the life situation and personal self-esteem, their influence on the behaviour and mental well-being of a person are highlighted. It is shown that the subject of Seneca’s increased attention is the issues of ethics, in the epicenter of which are the concepts of goodness and virtue, duty and conscience, the moral foundations of interpersonal relations and social life, problems and methods of education and self-education.

Author Biography

Anatoly V. Rubanau, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

doctor of science (sociology), full professor; professor at the department of sociology, faculty of philosophy and social sciences

Published
2023-05-18
Keywords: ethics, stoicism, wisdom, soul, meaning of life, blessing, virtu, duty, happiness, upbringing
How to Cite
Rubanau, A. V. (2023). The stoic wisdom of Seneca. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Philosophy and Psychology, 2, 4-14. Retrieved from https://journals.bsu.by/index.php/philosophy/article/view/5414