Esercizi di dono: pragmatica e paradossi delle relazioni nel "de beneficiis" di Seneca.

Exercising the gift: pragmatics and paradoxes of relationships in Seneca’s “De Beneficiis”. The monograph analyses multiple aspects related to the dynamics of the ‘beneficium’ in Seneca’s treaty: the analysis of the corrupt exchange practices which can disrupt human society, the relationship theory originating from the philosophical consideration of the ‘beneficium’; the overcoming of the ‘errores’ caused by distorted passions and habits; virtuous interactive practices recommended for right forms of gift, capable of strengthening social links. In this process for the improvement of the ‘proficiens’ the role of paradox is very important; the latter is dealt with not only in the context of stoic ethics (the paradoxes of the wise), but also through a pragmatic study of behavioural paradoxes. The monograph presents a methodological reflection on the usefulness of pragmatics for the analysis of Seneca’s treaty and at the same time on the limits which should be respected in the use of this methodology, in order to avoid a forced comparison between ancient and modern relationship theories.