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S.S. Demina (Vladimir) – Seneca’s Religious Views

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Abstract

The article discusses Seneca’s theoretical views on the common and distinctive features of deities and people, who, in his opinion, are united by reason, soul, subjection to fate (fatum), virtue, the ability to rejoice and love people. But mortals, unlike deities, are subject to passions and vices. In conditions of predetermination, people have two divine gifts – free will and reason. Free will is manifested in a situation of choice between virtue and vice, and reason helps to know nature, the divine world and consciously choose the path of self-improvement, which brings people closer to the deity. Seneca demonstrates that Stoicism is closely related to traditional Roman religious views, so it can be a guide for their behavior.

Keywords

Ancient Rome, Stoicism, Seneca, religion.

Svetlana S. Demina

Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nikolay Stoletovs, Vladimir, Russia

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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