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Catharine Edwards on Seneca and facing death.

A History of Ideas: What makes me human? Only humans know they are going to die. Dealing with this makes us truly human. Catharine Edwards on the Stoic philosopher Seneca.

Catharine Edwards wants to introduce you to the Roman Philosopher Seneca. But he's dying. Towards the end of his life Seneca became interested in the idea that only human beings had foreknowledge of their own death. Animals didn't know and Gods didn't die. This singular piece of knowledge gives human life its meaning as well as its burden. Seneca argued that to liberate yourself from the fear of death was a vital part of life. But did his own famous death live up to his beliefs?

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13 minutes

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Wed 30 Jan 2019 12:04
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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  • Wed 21 Jan 2015 12:04
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Wed 30 Jan 2019 12:04
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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  • A History of Ideas

    Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the work of key philosophers and their theories.