The Risk in the Educational Strategy of Seneca

Abstract

To his pupil Nero and to Lucilius (friend and, as metonymy, representative of the entiremankind), Seneca testifies to his pedagogic vocation. With conviction he applies himself todemonstrate the perfect correspondence between the Stoic doctrine and the educational strategythat he proposes. Firstly, the reciprocity of the relationship between educator and pupil appearsfundamental; both further their individual knowledge. Secondly, the limitations of an ethicalprecept that is not anchored in the intensity and concreteness of human life becomes clearlyapparent. Furthermore, it brings to question the weakness of a world vision not inspired by aninnovative and original path. The starting point is therefore a rigorous examination ofconscience to ultimately reach the revolutionary experience of risk in the moment of the lastdecision. In the name of truth the wise man must have the courage to embrace fate in order toreally understand who he is (in a process of oikeiosis both as experience and as target), and hemust instil in his pupils the courage to take risks along their own independent journey. In sodoing, self-scrutiny and politics can become intertwined. It is herein that the educator’s risk andresponsibilities lie.