The ‘Odd’ Conception of Space in Stoic Philosophy
abstract
The complex Stoic conception of space is expressed through three distinct but complementary notions: the void, the place and the room. These are incorporeal entities to be investigated within the rigid corporealism traditionally attributed to the Stoics. First of all, this work intends to provide an organic and coherent reconstruction of the Stoic conception of space, despite the fragmentary nature of the sources at our disposal. Furthermore, it is shown that spatial notions play a fundamental role in Stoic philosophy – think of the theory of universal conflagration – despite the ontological status of incorporeality.
Keywords: Room • Ancient Stoicism • Void • Place • Incorporeals • Conflagration • Ontology