Abstract
Abstract
This chapter discusses book 7 of the Natural Questions, which treats the subject of comets. At the opening of this book, Seneca outlines two possible forms of miratio, or wonder, in the face of comets. The first type of wonder, which this chapter calls “elevated miratio,” is a gentle feeling of amazement in the face of a divine order. The second, which this chapter calls “common miratio” is a sense of thrill in response to unusual or flashy phenomena. From a moral perspective, Seneca clearly privileges the former type of wonder over the latter. However, for individuals whose ignorance impedes them from experiencing elevated miratio, even common miratio can provide valuable Stoic lessons, alerting them to the intentional design of the cosmos. Overall, then, Seneca harnesses morally ambiguous affects for quasi-moral ends.
Publisher
Oxford University PressOxford
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