12 March 1980

Abstract

The coupling of the detailed verbalization of fault and exploration of oneself. Its origin: neither the procedures of baptism nor those of penance, but the monastic institution. ~ Techniques of testing the soul and public manifestation (publication) of oneself before Christianity. Verbalization of fault and exploration of oneself in Greek and Roman Antiquity. Difference from Christianity. ~ (III) The practice of spiritual direction (direction de con-science). Its main characteristics: a free, voluntary, unlimited bond aiming at access to a certain relationship of self to self. Comment on the relation between the structure of political authority and the practice of direction. Non-institutional and institutional practices (philosophical schools) of direction in Greece and Rome. A fundamental technique: examination of conscience. How it differs from Christian examination of conscience. Two examples of ancient examination of conscience: the Pythagorean Carmen aureum; Seneca’s De ira, III, 36.