ἰατρεῖόν ἐστιν τὸ τοῦ φιλοσόφου σχολεῖον. Gesundheit und Moral bei Seneca und Epiktet

In this contribution, a comparative analysis of Seneca’s and Epictetus’ concepts of physical and mental health (ὑγίεια, valetudo) is conducted. The following points are made: 1) Both Seneca and Epictetus consider bodily health as an indifferent factor (ἀδιάφορον, indifferens), consistent with Stoic doctrine. However, while Epictetus maintains this stance consistently, Seneca offers a more nuanced, positive assessment, arguing that bodily health plays a pivotal role in the full development of virtue. 2) Seneca and Epictetus both depict the wise man as a physician responsible for the health of the soul. His authority is founded not only on the care and trust he establishes with his disciples but also on his own advanced experience of self-transformation, which qualifies him to guide others. 3) Within its various domains, medical dietetics serves as a critical reference point for the Stoic conception of healthy living.