La Providencia como salvaguarda de los Proyectos Históricos Humanos en las Vidas Paralelas

Abstract

In this paper, I analyse the relationship between the actions of Plutarchan heroes and Providence. Of course, Providence collaborates with them by determining the conduct of minor characters and antagonists, whose performance modifies the future or favours the historical success of the main characters. But, in any case, even when Plutarch underlines the freedom and responsibility of his heroes, the historical evolution of peoples (Athens, Sparta, Macedonia or Rome) appears as a result of their collaboration with Providence: 1) they assume as a rule of conduct the human qualities loved by Gods; and 2) these reveal their will by dreams, oracles and prodigies, which are correctly interpreted by the heroes; but 3) divinity always puts the fate of peoples before the interest of individuals, even sacrificing virtuous men like Brutus to the progress of the community. In such cases, the constitutions protected by the gods (like, for example, those of Athens, Sparta or Rome) coincide with political ideas of the biographer himself, who becomes in this way a political propagandist.