Seneca, Letter 90 - Philosophy, Technology, And Wisdom - Sadler's  Lectures

Seneca, Letter 90 - Philosophy, Technology, And Wisdom - Sadler's Lectures

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler May 23, 2026 Duration: 20:04
This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient Stoic philosopher Seneca's Letters, this one looking at Letter 90 It focuses specifically on Seneca's engagement with another earlier Stoic philosopher, Posidonius, who developed theories about the development of human disciplines and technology (artes), having to do with wisdom and philosophy. Posidonius postulates a golden age in which human beings lived in accordance with nature and were ruled over by the wise, and then a degeneration through greed, self-indulgence, and other vices into a lesser state in which they needed more and more technologies. Seneca argues that these were developed using human reason, but not right reason, from ingenuity rather than wisdom, and that while philosophers might have developed some of them, they did not do so as philosophers. In this letter, Seneca also outlines what the matters that wisdom and philosophy deal with are. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3,500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Seneca's Letters - amzn.to/2Myx6os

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sadler's Lectures
Podcast Episodes