The Ethics of the Family in Seneca

This book explores the vital role played by the family in Stoic ideas of moral development found in Seneca's philosophical writing.

Liz Gloyn (Author)

9781107145474, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 February 2017

258 pages, 1 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.51 kg

'This is a significant achievement and will be warmly appreciated by students of Seneca's thought and of Roman social history alike.' Brad Inwood, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

This book is the first extensive study of the role of the family in the work of Seneca. It offers a new way of reading philosophy that combines philosophical analysis with social, cultural and historical factors to bring out the ways in which Stoicism presents itself as in tune with the universe. The family serves a central role in an individual's moral development - both the family as conventionally understood, and the wider conceptual family which Stoicism constructs. Innovative readings of Seneca's work bring out the importance of the family to his thought and how it interacts with other Stoic doctrines. We learn how to be virtuous from observing and imitating our family, who can be biological relatives or people we choose as our intellectual ancestors. The Ethics of the Family in Seneca will be of particular interest to researchers in Roman Stoicism, imperial culture and the history of the family.

Introduction
1. Model mothers
2. A band of brothers
3. The mystery of marriage
4. The desirable contest between fathers and sons
5. The imperfect imperial family
6. Rewriting the family
Epilogue
Appendix. The text and transmission of Seneca's De matrimonio.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Philosophy [HP]