'Aπαθεια and Πρoπαθειαι in Early Modern Discussions of the Passions: Stoicism, Christianity and Natural History

This paper examines the reception of the Stoic theory of the passions in the early modern period, highlighting various differences between the way notions such alpha pi alpha theta epsilon iota alpha (complete freedom from passions) and pi rho o pi alpha theta epsilon iota alpha iota (pre-passions) were handled and interpreted by Continental and English authors. Both groups were concerned about the compatibility of Stoicism with Christianity, but came to opposing conclusions; and while the Continental scholars drew primarily on ancient philosophical texts, the English ones relied, in addition, on experience and observation, developing a natural history of the passions.