The Contribution of Understanding of Seneca’s Virtue and Wisdom to the Ecological Ethics

Ancient time, in which philosophers of nature lived, is the most mentioned era when the discussions in the field of ecological ethics are developed today. However, Stoicism, one of the founders of Hellenistic period, may serve quite important sources in terms of discussions in the field of ecological ethics. In this end, one of the most important names is surely Seneca. Seneca’s definition of virtue, his connection between virtue and happiness and his theory of wisdom present an ethics of both life philosophy in terms of the relation of virtue and nature and ecological aspect. It may end in fruitful solutions when the philosopher’s explanation of virtue and wisdom in connection with nature is analysed on behalf of some current ecological principles. In other words, the thesis that both individual existence and social existence have an ontological foundation and virtue is gained when someone realise all of them only in accordance with nature has an unique place in terms of interpreting philosophers’ – before Seneca, especially Plato and Aristotle- criticism on philosophy of nature. In conclusion, it is important that a philosophy of nature developed by the terms such as virtue, wisdom, individuality and happiness may contribute the discussions of current ecological ethics