Emotions that Foster Learning: Wonder and Shock in Proclus

In his Commentaries, Proclus (Neoplatonic philosopher, 5th century A.D.) describes the ways in which a teacher can awaken desire for knowledge and philosophy given soul, help this soul to make cognitive moral progress. He considers such an intervention be case of providence, analogous both action divine Pronoia care one's personal daemon. As being thus educated is still unaware merits rational thought, needs use emotions student stimulate him; he might even want generate desirable soul. I focus here on two emotions: wonder shock. The first serves interest while preserving autonomy. second allows deeper commitment at price reduced autonomy pupil. Both are complementary aspects philosophical perplexity.