SENECA MEDICUS. PRACTICI TERAPEUTICE ȘI PROTREPTIC FILOSOFIC ÎN CONSOLATIO AD HELVIAM

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.