ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the doctrine of providence in Zeno of Citium, founding father of the Stoa. It examines several aspects of his account: that providence is one of the names of god, that nature should be conceived as a craftsmanlike fire and that providence can be proved by divination. The book looks into Cleanthes’ doctrine of providence. It examines Posidonius’ doctrine of providence through an analysis of his promotion of reason, presented as an inner dwelling god whose role is to lead human beings towards happiness. The book focuses on Seneca and starts with his presentation of providence as the deliberation of god and the provision he made for the world to ‘freely advance and unfold’.
