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Single Idea 13317

[from 'Letters from a Stoic' by Seneca the Younger, in 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly ]

Full Idea

Philosophy takes as her aim the state of happiness.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy aims at happiness

Source

Seneca the Younger (Letters from a Stoic [c.60], 090)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Letters from a Stoic (Selections)', ed/tr. Campbell,Robin [Penguin 1969], p.171


A Reaction

A startlingly forthright view. It seems to neglect what I take to be the main aim of philosophy, which is to achieve understanding. I presume true happiness would follow from that. Seneca must now explain why soporific pleasure is wrong.