Der Begriff natura und seine ethische Relevanz in Senecas Prosaschriften

Die Vernunftnatur bestimmt die eine Qualität der Tugend, die Einzelnaturen verleihen ihr verschiedene Gesichter

The foremost principle of the Stoic ethical doctrine is to live in accordance with nature. This study undertakes a fresh examination of the definition of human nature found in Seneca's prose writings, particularly the Moral Letters. By means of a precise textual analysis, the author deals with the question to what extent, besides the holistic nature of humans, the individual nature is also relevant to moral decisions. In a section on the systematic principles she first determines Seneca's concept of nature in the light of philosophical tradition. She then examines the meaning of human nature for self-education and the education of others. Finally, the author describes what function the espistolary form could have for Senecan philosophy.

Autorentext
Dr. Christina Kreuzwieser ist als Dozentin für biblische Sprachen (Griechisch, Hebräisch, Latein) an der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz tätig.