La philosophie comme thérapie, transformation de soi et style de vie chez Sénèque

Abstract

The first goal of Seneca’s philosophy is the therapy of the soul - in other words, the moral progress of the reader as well as the writer himself. This is a process entailing several stages. The philosophical therapist will first address the emotions of the reader still far removed from wisdom and reason ; he will then encourage ascetical ‘‘ exercises ’’, and will finally be able to appeal to reason. An important role in this spiritual progress is also played by reading.