Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy Books

Book SynopsisWas Plato a Pythagorean? Plato''s students and earliest critics thought so, but scholars since the nineteenth century have been more skeptical. With this probing study, Phillip Sidney Horky argues that a specific type of Pythagorean philosophy, called mathematical Pythagoreanism, exercised a decisive influence on fundamental aspects of Plato''s philosophy. The progenitor of mathematical Pythagoreanism was the infamous Pythagorean heretic and political revolutionary Hippasus of Metapontum, a student of Pythagoras who is credited with experiments in harmonics that led to innovations in mathematics. The innovations of Hippasus and other mathematical Pythagoreans, including Empedocles of Agrigentum, Epicharmus of Syracuse, Philolaus of Croton, and Archytas of Tarentum, presented philosophers like Plato with novel ways to reconcile empirical knowledge with abstract mathematical theories. Plato and Pythagoreanism demonstrates how mathematical Pythagoreanism established many of the fundamentaTrade ReviewPhilip S. Horky's Plato and Pythagoreanism is both deeply insightful and actually pleasant to read ... it is a great success. * Michael Weinman, Archai Journal: On the Origins of Western Thought *This is an inspiring book, widening the view on the Pythagoreans and their concept of number. The material is perfectly organized. * Volker Peckhaus, Zentralblatt MATH *This impressive work is crucial reading for students of early Pythagoreanism... Essential. * Choice *Plato and Pythagoreanism is a most interesting study, from which I learned a good deal and derived much pleasure. Horky sets out here to investigate the nature and extent of the influence on Plato and the Academy of that tradition within early Pythagoreanism which may be termed 'mathematical.' Despite the sketchy nature of the evidence, Horky proves his argument sufficiently to make this an important contribution to scholarship. * John Dillon, Trinity College Dublin *Horky's wide-ranging and meticulously researched Plato and Pythagoreanism provides an important contribution to our understanding of the doxographical traditions and the ongoing dialectic between the Greek philosophers of the fifth and fourth century BCE by engaging with some of the lesser known -- but no less interesting -- 'mathematical Pythagoreans' and systematically presenting their transformative influence on Plato's philosophy. This book deserves close attention from any student in ancient philosophy. * Mariska Leunissen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill *A trail-blazing effort to collect, summarize, and relate scattered pieces of information that have too often been ignored or dismissed in the past.... The early Pythagoreans are neither lost to history nor boring nor well understood. Horky invites us to see them with fresh eyes. * Joseph G. Miller, HOPOS: The Journal of the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science *A fascinating, intelligent, and effective book.... By applying novel approaches to an old question, Horky has provided scholarship with a very remarkable contribution. * Federico M. Petrucci, The Journal of the History of Philosophy *Approached in the right order and with due scholarly caution.... The study as a whole is of uniformly high quality. * Simon Trepanier, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *It will be a standard text for those who are interested in Plato and Pythagoreanism, and especially for those of us interested in their connection. * Michael Weinman, Archai *Table of ContentsContents ; Acknowledgements ; Abbreviations ; Preface ; Chapter 1: Aristotle on Mathematical Pythagoreanism in the 4th Century BCE ; Chapter 2: Hippasus of Metapontum and Mathematical Pythagoreanism ; Chapter 3: Exoterism and the History of Pythagorean Politics ; Chapter 4: Mathematical Pythagoreanism and Plato's Cratylus ; Chapter 5: What is Wisest? Mathematical Pythagoreanism and Plato's Phaedo ; Chapter 6: The Method of the Gods: Mathematical Pythagoreanism and Discovery ; Afterword ; Index Locorum ; Bibliography ; General Index

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Book SynopsisDiscusses Aristotle's views on change, natural science, the mind, logic, philosophical method, metaphysics, and ethics, and suggests why the Greek philosopher still provokes controversy.Trade Review'An excellent little book. One cannot sufficiently recommend this book as an up-to-date fascinating introduction to Aristotle, clearly presented and accessible to the non-specialist. Even for the specialist, although its content will be known to him, this brief volume gives an interesting and, above all, refreshing presentation. Philosophical Studies

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Book SynopsisWerner Jaeger''s highly-acclaimed work treats paideia, the shaping of Greek character, as the basis for study of Hellenism as a whole, to explain the interaction between the historical process by which Greek character was formed and the intellectual process by which they constructed their ideal of the human personality.Trade Review'(Paideia) is intended for the general reader, and it is probably God's gift to educators, because it conveys to the reader in a clear and attractive form, covering the ground comprehensively, a new conception of the central point of view in Hellenic society and culture.' Edmund Wilson, The New Yorker

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Book SynopsisThis treatise offers a new solution to the famous puzzle of the so-called "gymnastic" half of Plato's "Parmenides". The author shows that the work serves to introduce a metaphysics which had outgrown problems commonly associated with Plato's middle dialogues, creating a bridge to his later work.Trade Review`Constance Meinwald's commentary on the Parmenides is both highly original and extremely illuminating ... She offers what I think is a brilliant reconstruction of the antinomies as presented by Parmenides ... Not the least merit of Meinwald's book is that it is accessible to a wide audience ... her arguments are neatly divided into manageable sections; and she writes in a style which is lucid, free of unnecessary jargon, and wholly straightforward ... On the evidence of this book, her future works will be well worth waiting for.' Heythrop Journal'M.'s analysis is generally illuminating. She is notably successful in assessing the strategic functions ... Her analyses work more convincingly, I believe, where the first four sections - the consequences of the positive hypothesis - are concerned than they do with the consequences of the negative hypothesis. Constance Meinwald has produced an intelligent and well argued book, which deserves to be widely discussed - and surely will be. The style is clear and spare, and her case is geenerally well presented.' J.D.G. Evans, Queen's University, Belfast, The Classical Review, 1992

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Book SynopsisThis book expounds and examines Plato''s answer to the normative question, `how ought we to live?'' It discusses Plato''s conception of the virtues; his views about the connection between these and happiness; and the account of reason, desire, and motivation that underlies his arguments about the virtues. Irwin traces the development of Plato''s moral philosophy, from the Socratic dialogues to its fullest exposition in the Republic. He discusses Plato''s reasons for abandoning or modifying some aspects of Socratic ethics, and for believing that he preserves Socrates'' essential insights. A brief and selective discussion of the Statesmen, Philebus, and Laws is included. Plato''s answer to the epistemological question `how can we know how we ought to live?'' is also discussed. His views on knowledge, belief, and inquiry, and his theory of forms, are examined in so far as they are relevant to his ethical views. This book expands the discussion in Plato''s Moral Theory (OUP, 1977) to proTrade ReviewIrwin has now provided us with one detailed, synoptic view of Plato's ethics which will no doubt stimulate as much debate and discussion as the original PMT. * Phronesis *Plato's Ethics ... adds a new and deep consideration of the Republic as well as some short chapters on the later dialogues ... Irwin has written a huge book ... clever and rewarding in its eye for detail, in its minute treatment of individual passages. * Times Literary Supplement *brilliant book ... Professor Irwin has an awe inspiring ability to develop illuminating and subtle lines of interpretation and argument, and there is no doubt that anyone seriously interested in Plato's ethics will be studying and learning from his book for years to come. This is a rich work. * Robert Heinaman, University College, London, Mind, Vol. 106, No. 42, Jan '97 *

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Book SynopsisTo understand ancient ethics we must exmaine the basic structure of ancient ethical theory. Here, Julia Annas brings together the results of a wide-ranging study of ancient ethical philosophy, and makes it easily accessible to anyone with an interest in ancient or modern ethics.Trade Reviewthis is an important book. Many of Annas's claims will provoke scholarly controversy for some time to come; in the meantime, the book will be a tremendous help to those who want to understand the development of ancient ethics as a whole. * Times Higher Educational Supplement *

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Book SynopsisSocrates, as he is portrayed in Plato''s early dialogues, remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of philosophy. This book concerns six of the most vexing and often discussed features of Plato''s portrayal: Socrates'' methodology, epistemology, psychology, ethics, politics, and religion. Brickhouse and Smith cast new light on Plato''s early dialogues by providing novel analyses of many of the doctrines and practices for which Socrates is best known. Included are discussions of Socrates'' moral method, his profession of ignorance, his denial of akrasia, as well as his views about the relationship between virtue and happiness, the authority of the State, and the epistemic status of his daimonion. By revealing the many interconnections among Socrates'' views on a wide variety of topics, this book demonstrates both the richness and the remarkable coherence of the philosophy of Plato''s Socrates.Trade Reviewa detailed and well-structured analysis of the philosophy of Socrates, supported by a wealth of preference to Plato's early dialogues ... Their exposition is clear and cogent, and their readings maintain a high degree of plausibility. * F.R. Pickering, University of North London, The Classical Review, XLV, 2, 95 *an important new work in the rapidly growing field of Socratic studies. ... They have provided a fuller and more challenging account of Socrates as a philosopher which is both intelligible to the modern mind, and yet, potentially, highly critical of it. * Polis, vol.14, 1997 *

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Book SynopsisRecently, new life has been breathed into the ancient philosophical topic of scepticism. It has been the subject of some of the best and most provocative work in contemporary philosophy by both today''s top epistemologists and also by the world''s leading philosophers working in other areas of the discipline. This book collects the most important contributions to each of the major approaches to scepticism that have dominated the recent discussion. It features essays by Anthony Brueckner, Keith DeRose, Fred Dretske, Graeme Forbes, Christopher Hill, David Lewis, Thomas Nagel, Robert Nozick, Hilary Putnam, Ernest Sosa, Gail Stine, Barry Stroud, Peter Unger, and Ted Warfield,Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: RESPONDING TO SKEPTICISM; PART ONE: THE RESPONSE FROM SEMANTIC EXTERNALISM; PART TWO: RESPONSES FROM EPISTEMIC EXTERNALISM; PART THREE: RELEVANT ALTERNATIVES AND DENYING CLOSURE; PART FOUR: CONTEXTUALIST RESPONSES; PART FIVE: CONCESSIVE RESPONSES

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Book SynopsisThis topically organized collection is intended as an introduction to the many varied voices of ancient philosophy that involves the reader directly in the issues. Rather than proceeding chronologically through different systems, the student engages with a variety of contributions to issues of continuing relevance. A wide diversity of areas, methods, and traditions is presented in a way that recaptures their original freshness. Annas provides substantial commentary on the reading that uncovers the main lines of argument and encourages students to think about problems. In addition she includes biographical sketches of the thinkers, a chronological timeline, and short discussions of the major movements in ancient philosophy.Trade Review"A provocative selection of readings. I am highly impressed. And at a price affordable to the student!"--Wendy C. Hamblet, California State University, Stanislaus "It is a pleasure to see an introductory reader on ancient philosophy organized around key philosophical problems. An excellent selection of topics and readings."--David Bowen, University of North FloridaTable of ContentsList of Boxed Material: Preface: Introduction: Chronological Sketch of Ancient Philosophy: Timeline: 1. FATE AND FREEDOM Homer, Iliad 16, 512-548 Lucian, Zeus Answers a Few Awkward Questions A.: PRAISE, BLAME, AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics III, 5 The Stoics on Fate Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate 22 The Stoics on Moral Responsibility Cicero, On Fate 40-43 Aulus Gellius, Attic Nights 7.2, 6-13 Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate 11-14 Epicurus, On Nature 34, 26-30 Diogenes of Oenoanda, Epicurean Inscription fragment 54, II-III Lucretius, On the Nature of Things 2, 251-293 B.: RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LIVES WE LEAD Plato, Republic 10 (the Myth of Er) Alcinous, Handbook of Platonism 26 C.: DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate 30-31 Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy 5 D.: IS THE FUTURE FIXED? Aristotle, On Interpretation Diodorus Cronus, The Master Argument (Epictetus, Discourses 11.19, 1-5 The Stoics on Possibility and Necessity Cicero, On Fate 12-15 Alexander of Aphrodisias, On Fate 10 2. REASON AND EMOTION A.: EXPLANATION OF INNER CONFLICT Plato, Republic 4, 436a-444a Plato, Republic 9, 588b-590d Plato, Phaedrus 253d-254e B.: WHAT IS AN EMOTION? Aristotle, Rhetoric II, part of 1,2,5,8 Aristotle, Niomachean Ethics II, 1, parts of 2 and 3; IV, 5 The Early Stoics on the Emotions Seneca, On Anger I, 7-9, 12-14, 17-18; II, 1-4, 6-10, 28 C.: A TEST CASE Euripides, Medea 1021-1080 Epictetus, Discourses I, 28,1-9; II, 17, 17-25 Galen, On the Doctrines of Hippocrates and Plato III, 3, 13-24 D.: REASON, THE EMOTIONS, AND FAITH The Fourth Book of Maccabees selections 3. KNOWLEDGE, BELIEF, AND SKEPTICISM A.: KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE Plato, Laches 189d-201c B.: KNOWLEDGE AND TRUE BELIEF Plato, Meno 80a-86d, 96b-99e Plato, Theaetetus 200d-201c C.: RELATIVISM Plato, Theaetetus 166e-172b, 177c-179b D.: THE STRUCTURE OF A SYSTEM OF KNOWLEDGE Plato, Republic 475b-484a, 507b-511e, 514a-518d, 523a-525b, 531c-535a Aristotle, Posterior Analytics I, 1-3; II, 19 Aristotle, Metaphysics I, 1-3; II, 1 Aristotle, Parts of Animals I, 5 E.: KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERIENCE Epicurus on Knowledge The Stoics on Knowledge F.: SKEPTICISM Plato, Theaetetus 148c-151d Sextus Empiricus, Outlines of Pyrrhonism I, 1-30, 100-117;III, 1-12 4. METAPHYSICAL QUESTIONS A.: REALITY AND PARADOX Parmenides, The Way of Truth fragments 1-8 Zeno of Elea, Arguments against Motion B.: PLATO'S FORMS: FOR AND AGAINST Plato, Phaedo 73c-76e Plato, Phaedo 78c-79a Plato, Symposium 209e-212a Plato, Republic 596a-597e Plato, Parmenides 128e-135c Diogenes of Sinope, Lives of the Philosophers VI, 53 The Stoics on Plato's Forms Aristotle, On Forms C.: CAUSE AND EXPLANATION Hippocratic Writings, The Sacred Disease selections Plato, Phaedo 96a-101e Aristotle, On Coming-to-Be and Passing-Away II, 9 Aristotle, Physics II, 3, 7-9 Plutarch, Life of Pericles 6 The Epicureans against Teleology D.: TIME Aristotle, Physics IV, 10-11, 14 The Stoics on Time Augustine, Confessions XI, selections 5. HOW SHOULD YOU LIVE? A.: THE STARTING POINT FOR ETHICAL REFLECTION Aristotle, Rhetoric I, 5 (extract) Herodotus, Histories I, 29-34 B.: THE FIRST THEORIES: VIRTUE AND HAPPINESS Democritus, Fragments on Ethics Plato, Gorgias, 468e-479e C.: THE MAJOR THEORIES Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics I, 1,2,4,5,7-10 The Stoics Cicero, On Final Ends III, 16-17, 20-26, 32-39, 42-71 The Epicureans Epicurus, Letter to Menoeceus 121-135 Cicero, On Final Ends I, 29-33, 37-70 D.: DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS Plato, Theaetetus, 172b-177c The Gospel of Matthew 5, 2-20 Plotinus, Enneads I, 4 6. SOCIETY AND THE STATE A.: IS NATURE OR CONVENTION THE BASIS OF SOCIETY AND THE STATE? Plato, Protagoras 320c-323c Antiphon the Sophist, Fragment 7 Plato, Gorgias 482e-484c Plato, Crito 50a-54e Plato, Repubic 358c-360d Aristotle, Politics I, 2 Aristotle, Politics III, 9 Epicureans Epicurus, Principal Doctrines 31-38 Diogenes of Oenoanda, Epicurean Inscription fragment 56 Cicero, On Duties III, 37-39 Stoicism Cicero, On Laws I, 17-35, 42-45 B.: POLITICAL RULE: EXPERTISE AND THE RULE OF LAW Twofold Arguments 7 Plato0 Republic 488a-489c Plato, Statesman 291d-303b Aristotle, Politics I, 1; III, 4,11 C.: DEMOCRACY AND THE BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT Herodotus, Histories III, 80-83 The Old Oligarch Aristotle, Politics IV, 3,4,7-9.11 Polybius, Histories, VI, 2 Further Reading

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Book SynopsisWhile the early Platonic dialogues have often been explored and appreciated for their ethical content, the characteristc features of these dialogues are decidedly epistemological - Socrates'' method of questions and answers, known as elenchos, Socrates'' fascination with definition, Socrates'' profession of ignorance, and Socrates'' thesis that virtue is knowledge. Benson here attempts to uncover the epistemological view that underlies these previously neglected features of Socratic thought.Trade ReviewScholars will welcome this book ... this is a thorough and important account of some central problems in Socratic thought. It is lucidly written, well argued and, precisely because of its lucidity, is likely to prove controversial, in the sense that it will give scholars plenty of meat to get their teeth into. * The Heythrop Journal *Socratic Wisdom has a clear and articulate structure ... is serious and successful ... careful and systematic ... a work to be taken seriously by everyone concerned with Plato. * Mind *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1:: Socrates, The Epistemologist Part I: The Socratic Elenchos Chapter 2:: The Aims of the Elenchos Chapter 3:: The Problem of Elenchos Chapter 4:: The Dissolution of the Problem of the Elenchos Part II: Socratic Definition Chapter 5:: The "What is F-ness?" Question and Socratic Definition Chapter 6:: The Priority of Definitional Knowledge Chapter 7:: The Sufficiency of Definitional Knowledge Part III: Socratic Knowledge Chapter 8:: Socratic Ignorance Chapter 9:: A Socratic Theory of Knowledge Chapter 10:: Knowledge, Virtue, and Other Problems Chapter 11:: Meno, the Slave-Boy, and Plato Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe relationship between morality and self-interest is a perennial one in philosophy, at the center of moral theory. It goes back to Plato''s Republic, which debated whether living morally was in a person''s best interest or simply for dupes. Hobbes also claimed that morality was not in the best interests of the individual; Kant, however, thought that morality ought to be followed anyway even if it was not in a person''s interest. Aristotle, Hume, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche all had much to say on the subject, and contemporary philosophers like Thomas Nagel and David Gauthier discuss it a good deal as well. Little of the contemporary work has been published in book format however. Bloomfield''s edited volume is the first such book truly devoted to this important topic, presenting brand new, commissioned articles on this subject by some of the top philosophers working today. Bloomfield provides an introduction to the topic and its place in philosophical history in his introduction. The vTrade Reviewinformed scholarship and rich analyses of important issues ... Bloomfield is to be commended for putting together a fine collection. * John Lemos, Mind *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION ; BIBLOGRAPHY

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Book SynopsisEuthyphro; Apology of Socrates; CritoTrade ReviewLikely to be the standard edition of these dialogues for some time to come. * The Times (London) *

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Book SynopsisIn the 6th century BC, Pherekydes of Syros wrote a book about the birth of the gods and the origin of the cosmos of which only fragments survive. On the basis of these, as well as the ancient testimonies, the author attempts to reconstruct the theo-cosmological schema of Pherekydes.Trade Review'This is a splendid book, impeccably produced, in a style of scholarship rapidly disappearing. Schibli presents a persuasive interpretation of the fragments, modestly but with powerful expertise. Every paragraph is supported with long, learned and lively footnotes, covering a wide range of topics and references. Pherekydes of Syros is to be highly recommended in general, and is indispensable in particular for future study on the emergence of early Greek philosophy from religious and mythological constraints.' M.R. Wright, University of Reading, The Classical Review, Vol. XLII, 1992'Hermann S. Schibli performs a valuable service in reexamining the evidence for the contents of Pherecydes' book and in reediting the fragments and testimonia. There is little doubt that his edition ... will come to be the standard for future work on Pherecydes ... Schibli gives us here a tremendously important study of an elusive author.' Robert Lamberton, Princeton University, Ancient Philosophy 12 (1992)Table of ContentsI. Life of Pherekydes; II. pente-/heptamuchos in Pherekydes; III. The marriage of Zas and Chthonie; IV, The battle against Ophioneus; V. Pherekydes on the soul. Retrospect; Appendix 1. Chronos and Zas in Pherekydes; Appendix 2. Testimonia and fragments; Concordance to Diels-Kranz; Bibliography; Index of passages cited; General index.

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Book SynopsisThis paperback edition of Dodds''s standard edition of Plato''s Gorgias is designed to meet the needs both of undergraduates and professional scholars. The text and apparatus criticus are based on a fresh survey of the evidence: two major manuscripts are here for the first time fully collated, and account has been taken both of new papyri and of the exceptionally rich indirect tradition. The text is supplemented by a full introduction giving details on the subject and structure of the dialogue, its characters and intended historical setting, the real date of composition, and the background to Plato and Athens at the time of composition. The commentary, besides explaining Platonic usages and discussing textual points, aims to treat the historical, philosphical, and literary questions which arise from the text.Trade Review`Professor Dodds's fine edition (which both fairly overhauls the manuscript tradition and supplies a commentary as wide-ranging as it is perspicacious) fills a gap untouched in this country since 1890 ... The Gorgias should have a special appeal to contemporary students, and to historians no less than philosophers.' Times Literary Supplement `The admired qualities of [Dodd's works], a scholarship both exact and deep, an economy and lucidity in exposition (Dodds has few rivals in saying much in the fewest words with absolute clarity), and an immense level-headedness and sobriety which - combined with the sharpest acumen and independence of judgement in the handling of evidence - is never seduced by the charm of fantasy, all these once more characterize his edition of the Gorgias.' Philosophical QuarterlyTable of ContentsPart 1 The dialogue: subject and structure; personages and period; date of composition - the relative date, the absolute date; Plato and Athens. Part 2 The evidence for the text: the medieval manuscripts - the first family B T W and P, the second family F, the Byzantine recensions; the Papyri; ancient commentaries - Olympiodorus, the scholia; the indirect tradition.

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Book SynopsisMarcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from AD 161 to 180, is renowned for his just rule at home and for his long frontier wars. But his lasting claim to fame rests on the work known as the Meditations - a bedside book of reflections and self-admonitions composed in Greek (the language of philosophy) during his last years and partly while on campaign. These sparse notes, intended for the author''s eyes alone, give unique access to the mind of an ancient ruler; they also contain many passages of pungent epigram and poetic imagery. In this study, Dr Rutherford seeks to make the Meditations more approachable to the modern reader by explaining the historical and philosophical background, charting the main themes and tendencies of Marcus'' thought, and relating stylistic detail to the intellectual and moral outlook of the author.Trade Review`brings the philosopher-emperor persuasively back into the reckoning as a complex but accessible thinker of genuine distinction' Peter Jones, The Times`only the eye of love could have discerned all that is here so ingeniously and persuasively conveyed to the reader. For these volumes, R. deserves gratitude from all of us and, from the Emperor, a chapter to himself in Book I of the "Meditations".' Classical Review`[Rutherford's] reading of both the ancient and the modern literature is exceptionally wide-ranging; he has provided a compendious source of reference for any student of the Meditations' Times Literary Supplement'outstanding for careful analysis, elegance and the astonishing range and depth of learning with which he finds precedents or analogies for the substance and style of Marcus' reflections' P.A. Brunt, Brasenose College, Oxford, Journal of Roman Studies, LXXX, 90'This fine and highly learned study will without doubt and deservedly be the standard-work on the subject for many years to come ... R., in his striving for revealing the richness of Marcus' Meditations, has produced an extremely varied and rich monograph himself, which will render good service to a broad range of classical studies.' Paul M.M. Leunissen, Mnemosyne, Vol. XLV, Fasc. 1 (1992)Table of ContentsAbbreviated titles for works of reference; other conventions; Marcus Aurelius: A biographical note; The form and functions of the Meditations; The first book: Literary and cultural background; The first book: An ethical self-portrait; Aspects of style and thought; Marcus Aurelius and the supernatural; Life and death in the religion of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius; Envoi.

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Book SynopsisExamining the problematic relation between Seneca's prose works and his career as a first-century Roman statesman, this work first reconstructs his career by using outside sources and his political works. It then studies Seneca's treatment of subjects of political significance.Trade Review`Griffin's book is an outstanding contribution to our knowledge of the intellectual climate and the political history of the principate of Nero, and is bound to become a standard work on the complex and elusive personality of Seneca.' Journal of Roman Studies`This is a painstaking effort at reconstruction which surpasses in detail and penetration any previous biographical study ... Her work is a substantial contribution to the study not only of Seneca but of the whole Julio-Claudian period and should be required reading well beyond the circle of Senecan scholars.' Classical Review'Miriam Griffin's book on Seneca has made a wecome transfer to paperback. This book provides useful material for those studying the history of the Principate in the first century AD. It is also useful for its exxploration of the philosophical background to matters that were important at this time. J. Hutchinson. JACT Review

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Book Synopsis`[Meikle''s] aim is to make proper sense of Aristotle''s economic thinking, and in a detailed, lucid discussion he succeeds brilliantly.'' Peter Jones, Sunday TelegraphAristotle''s work on money was the backbone of medieval thinking about commerce, and it is still the foundation of Catholic teaching about market behaviour. Marx''s theory of economic value was based on it, and so was much of the economic analysis of money into the present century. In the past hundred years the interpretation of Aristotle''s work on money has become chaotic. Economists claim Aristotle as the father of economics, while classical scholars hold that Aristotle had no economic theory at all. It is argued here that Aristotle does develop a coherent theory of economic value, wealth, exchange, and money, but that this theory cannot be assimilated to what we call economics because its metaphysical foundation is incompatible with the Humean metaphysics on which economics is built. From an Aristotelian standpoint, Trade ReviewMeikle's book puts Aristotelian metaphysics back on the agenda for anyone who is seriously concerned to understand the fundamental issues of the nature of value and its correlative, the (un)-ethical nature of contemporary capitalism. There are very few issues that are more fundamental and more relevant than these. * Steve Fleetwood, Cambridge Journal of Economics *Meikle's book is an important scholarly contribution to our understanding of Aristotle's economic thought. * Fred Miller Jr, Apeiron *the book is undoubtedly well written, and written with great commitment ... It is extremely well researched, and Meikle is thoroughly familiar with the commentators, modern, mediaeval and (to a lesser extent) ancient, on Aristotle's economics. * Vasilis Politis, Trinity College Dublin, Philosophical Quarterly, April 1999 *

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Book SynopsisBooks V and VI of Aristotle''s Politics constitute a manual on practical politics. In the fifth book Aristotle examines the causes of faction and constitutional change and suggests remedies for political instability. In the sixth book he offers practical advice to the statesman who wishes to establish, preserve, or reform a democracy or an oligarchy. He discusses many political issues, theoretical and practical, which are still widely debated today--revolution and reform, democracy and tyranny, freedom and equality. David Keyt presents a clear and accurate new translation of these books, together with a commentary which, though primarily philosophical, also supplies a key to Aristotle''s many historical references. It is intended to guide readers towards a proper understanding of this classic text in the history of political thought, and does not assumes knowledge of Greek or of ancient history and politics.Trade ReviewAn excellent addition to the Clarendon Aristotle Series ... Compared to some other recent and/or widely read translations of the Politics, Keyt's is among those that stuck closest to the Greek text, and is better than the rest when considering (as we should) both readability and accuracy. * The Philosophical Review *Keyt's translation is excellent both in accuracy and fluency. The commentary is comprehensive. Keyt explores the meaning of the text, probes the logic of arguments, supplies the linguistic and cultural context, explains the known historical references, and cites relevant parallel texts of Aristotle ... This series of translations and commentaries is likely to remain the standard for a long time. * International Philosophical Quarterly *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; TRANSLATION; COMMENTARY; BIBLIOGRAPHY; GLOSSARY; INDEX.

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Book SynopsisThe Peri ideon (On Ideas) is the only work in which Aristotle systematically sets out and criticizes arguments for the existence of Platonic forms. Gail Fine presents the first full-length treatment in English of this important but neglected work . She asks how, and how well, and why and with what justification he favours an alternative metaphysical scheme. She also examines the significance of the Peri ideon for some central questions about Plato''s theory of forms - whether, for example, there are forms corresponding to every property or only to some, then to which ones; whether forms are universals, particulars, or both; and whether they are meanings, properties, or both.In addition to discussing the Peri ideon and its sources in Plato''s dialogues, Fine also provides a general discussion of Plato''s theory of forms, and of our evidence about the date, scope, and aims of the Peri ideon. While she pays careful attention to the details of the text, she also relates the issues to curreTrade Reviewit is the first full-length philosophical monograph on the subject in English ... It deserves the most careful attention of anyone interested in Plato's metaphysics. It is also a splendid example of how analytic philosophy and the history of philosophy can be mutually enriching. * Bryn Mawr Classica Review *

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Book SynopsisThe third and fourth book of Aristotle''s Politics discuss fundamental questions in political philosophy: the nature of citizenship, the purpose of the state, the role of law, the merits of various constitutions.Richard Robinson''s volume was the first to be published in the Clarendon Aristotle Series, and it remains a model of its kind - a lucid and provocative Introduction, an accurate but readable translation, and concise and critical notes.For this reissue, David Keyt has written a Supplementary Essay, in which he surveys and develops some recent ideas on the main themes of Politics III and IV. He also provides an up-to-date bibliography.

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Book SynopsisAristotle''s philosophy of mind has recently attracted renewed attention and respect from philosophers. This volume brings together outstanding new essays on De Anima by a distinguished international group of contributors including, in this paperback efdition, a new essay by Myles Burnyeat. The essays form a running commentary on the work, covering such topics as the relation between body and soul, sense-perception, imagination, memory, desire, and thought. the authors, writing with philosophical subtlety and wide-ranging scholarship, present the philosophical substance of Aristotle''s views to the modern reader. they locate their interpretations firmly within the context of Aristotle''s thought as a whole.Trade Reviewquite simply a blockbuster ... will form the indispensable starting-point for all future work * Greece and Rome *

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Book SynopsisThe Handbook of Platonism or Didaskalikos, attributed to Alcinous (long identified with the Middle Platonist Albinus, but on inadequate grounds), is a central text of later Platonism. In Byzantine times, in the Italian Renaissance, and even up to 1800, it was regarded as an ideal introduction to Plato''s thought. In fact it is far from being this, but it is an excellent source for our understanding of Platonism in the second century AD. Neglected after a more accurate view of Plato''s thought established itself in the nineteenth century, the Handbook is only now coming to be properly appreciated for what it is.It presents a survey of Platonist doctrine, divided into the topics of Logic, Physics, and Ethics, and pervaded with Aristotelian and Stoic doctrines, all of which are claimed for Plato.John Dillon presents an English translation of this work, accompanied by an introduction and a philosophical commentary in which he disentangles the various strands of influence, elucidates the coTrade ReviewD. has exactly the right qualifications to put the Handbook into philosophical perspective. The Platonic roots are carefully documented and analysed, the Aristotelian graftings precisely noted and philosophically illuminating references to Neoplatonic developments are aptly cited and discussed ... important references to Stoic and Aristotelian influence are not limited to terminology. Doctrinal and methodological influences are also richly documented and discussed in the commentary. This detailed treatment is not reserved for the metaphysical sections, which D. for good reasons finds more interesting and rewarding, but is extended to the chapters on logic. * The Classical Review *The introduction is a judicious presentation of the philosophical and historical issues raised by this treatise ... Throughout, the translation is both readable and true to its Greek source ... an excellent tool for the use of students of later Greek philosophy. * Review of Metaphysics *The work is essential for any who wishes to follow the many byways of the Platonic tradition. Its straightforward summary propositions offers a unique doctrinal view of Platonism, an approach that was normative for the tradition for centuries. Highly recommended. * The Reader's Review, The Bookseller's Network, Number 16, August 1996 *an invaluble discussion * Terence Kleven, Central College, Pella, Iowa, Mind, Vol 108, no 431, July 1999 *

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Book Synopsis''a brilliant introduction to the Sophists of fifth-century Athens and a major reinterpretation of the goals and effects of their thought. Engagingly written, this eminently accessible account deserves lasting popularity.'' Choice ''This is a fine work, indispensable for any study of Socrates, the Sophists or Plato . . . the interest of de Romilly''s book lies not only with the combination of enthusiasm and sound scholarship in the use of a wide range of texts, but also in the general and continuing problems of dialogue between thinkers ahead of their times and their contemporary public.'' Phronesis ''a vigorous and stimulating book which richly deserves to be made available to an English-speaking readership.'' Classical Review ''now available in this smooth and readable translation . . . a lively and engaging introduction to the Sophistic movement. While Great Sophists is written primarily for a general educated audience, scholars will find much of interest in de Romilly''s reconstTrade ReviewA lively and engaging introduction to the Sophistic movement....De Romilly deserves much credit for bringing a remarkable immediacy to the subject of the Sophists and their legacy. Classicists and the general public should appreciate this new and controversial assessment of the Sophistic movement. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *Table of Contents1. The Rise and Success of the Sophists ; 2. A New Teaching ; 3. Rhetorical Education ; 4. The Doctrines of the Sophists: A Tabula Rasa ; 5. The Dangers of the the Tabula Rasa: Immoralism ; 6. Reconstruction on the Basis of the Tabula Rasa ; 7. Recovering the Virtues ; 8. Politics ; Conclusion and Afterthoughts ; Bibliographical Notes ; Chronological Table ; Index ; Supplementary References ; Translator's Note on Greek and Latin Texts

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Book SynopsisVirtue ethics is perhaps the most important development within late twentieth-century moral philosophy. Rosalind Hursthouse, who has made notable contributions to this development, now presents a full exposition and defence of her neo-Aristotelian version of virtue ethics. She shows how virtue ethics can provide guidance for action, illuminate moral dilemmas, and bring out the moral significance of the emotions. Deliberately avoiding a combative stance, she finds less disagreement between Kantian and neo-Aristotelian approaches than is usual, and she offers the first account from a virtue ethics perspective of acting ''from a sense of duty''. She considers the question which character traits are virtues, and explores how answers to this question can be justified by appeal to facts about human nature. Written in a clear, engaging style which makes it accessible to non-specialists, On Virtue Ethics will appeal to anyone with an interest in moral philosophy.Trade ReviewAnyone who has ever been tempted to make glib remarks about what virtue ethics is, or about the account it gives of core issues in moral philosophy should read this excellent book. The wealth of detail and the abundant examples provided by Hursthouse demand to be carefully ruminated over by everyone interested in this rapidly maturing domain of moral theory. * The Heythrop Journal *... offers a thought-provoking approach to virtue-based ethical theory - one that, moreover, has the potential to be developed in any number of interesting ways. * The Heythrop Journal *For those who have been looking forward to this book for a long time, it will not disappoint. * The Heythrop Journal *The themes are taken up, thought about, and presented in an instructive, lively, courteous, and entertaining way from beginning to end. In all, one has the sense of being drawn into a conversation on issues of importance in a way that provides hope that an on-going co-operative effort in this field might make a difference to the world at large. This strikes me as an appealing model for philosophical inquiry ... The prospect for much fruitful discussion of the Hursthouse account of virtue ethics seems certain * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *This is a book for everyone, certainly for teachers and students of moral philosophy and indeed anyone interested in the large questions that bear on the nature of morality * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *This splendid new book is intended to be used as a textbook, but should be read by anyone interested in moral philosophy ... numerous new ideas and insights * Gilbert Harman, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; PART I: ACTION; 1. RIGHT ACTION; 2. RESOLVABLE DILEMMAS; 3. IRRESOLVABLE AND TRAGIC DILEMMAS; PART II: EMOTION AND MOTIVATION; 4. ARISTOTLE AND KANT; 5. VIRTUE AND THE EMOTIONS; 6. THE VIRTUOUS AGENT'S REASONS FOR ACTION; 7. MORAL MOTIVATION; PART III: RATIONALITY; 8. THE VIRTUES BENEFIT THEIR POSSESSOR; 9. NATURALISM; 10. NATURALISM FOR RATIONAL ANIMALS; 11. OBJECTIVITY; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX.

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Book SynopsisThe books translated in this volume are seventh and eighth in the traditional ordering of Aristotle''s Metaphysics. They are central to Aristotle''s metaphysical system: in them he discusses the nature of perceptible ''substance'' or reality. In particular, he compares the claims of matter and of form to be the basic reality of things, and he frequently contrasts his own view of form with the Platonic view. Several other topics are treated which are of central importance to his metaphysics, e.g. the notions of essence and definition, the status of universals, and the concept of a unity.David Bostock provides an authoritative guide to these difficult and important books, assuming no knowledge of Greek on the part of the reader. He offers a clear new translation that follows the original closely, and a thorough and careful philosophical commentary.Trade ReviewBostock reads passages closely, dissects arguments skillfully, and makes astute and informed judgements. As one philosopher reading another, he demands a lot of the text and often finds the argument wanting-and with good reason. But whether one is a defender or a critic of Aristotle, one will find Bostock's commentary enlightening and stimulating...Whatever may be one's preferences in the substance debate, one may profit by consulting this close and relatively undogmatic reading of Books Z and H./Daniel W.Graham/"Ancient Philosophy".There is a great deal to applaud in the volume. The translation is splendidly faithful to the Greek. It reads smoothly without lapsing into paraphrase ... Now Bostock has provided us with something much more straightforward, clearly written, packed iwth learning, and as detailed as we could wish. It is a splendid new resource for Aristotelian scholarship. * C. J. F. Williams, International Philosophical Quarterly *There is freshness in Bostock's approach to these books, and novelty in the proposed explanations of what can account for the "unexpected" that enriches the philosophical content of these works ... Bostock offers a very good translation of the text ... He also offers adequate introductions and resumes, which add cohesion, making the exposition "user friendly". The book will prove to be a valuable addition to the Zeta-Eta literature. * Times Higher Education Supplement *David Bostock has produced a translation that admirably fulfills the Clarendon Aristotle Series' goal of making Aristotle's texts accessible to the Greekless philosophical reader. It is accurate without being overly literal and is probably the best available in English. ... the translation is, on the whole, highly readable and brings out perspicuously the structure of Aristotle's arguments. The commentary offers much to the reader inexperienced in the details of Aristotle's thought. ... Particularly nice are Bostock's explanations (and defense) of the various Platonic positions Aristotle undertakes. ... Bostock does pay Aristotle the ultimate philosophical compliment of engaging seriously and in detail with his arguments, and the reader who works through the text in conjunction with the commentary will find that she has learned a good deal from Aristotle after all. * The Philosophical Review, vol.104, no.4, October 1995 *

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Book SynopsisThe Posterior Analytics contains some of Aristotle''s most influential thoughts in logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science. The first book expounds and develops the notions of a demonstrative argument and of a formal, axiomatized science; the second discusses a cluster of problems raised by the axioms or principles of such a science, and investigates in particular the theory of definition. For the second edition of this volume, the translation has been completely rewritten; and the commentary, which is done with the needs of philosophical readers in mind, has been thoroughly revised in the light of the scholarship of the last twenty years. There is an additional glossary and the bibliography has been extended.Trade ReviewThe notes in CIAP-B are crisp and incisive, and offer a dazzling array of opinions that are original with Barnes or are argued for in original ways. The commentary is immensely learned and abounds with references to ancient texts and to secondary literature.

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Book Synopsis"Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy" is an annual publication which includes original articles, which may be of substantial length, on a wide range of topics in ancient philosophy, and review articles of major books.Trade Review`Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy ... has, under its founding editor, Julia Annas, rapidly established itself as a major journal in its field.' Times Literary Supplement.'The collection is broad and the quality high - a worthy number of an excellent periodical.' Times Literary SupplementTable of ContentsRichard Patterson: The case of the two Barbaras: Basic approaches to Aristotle's modal logic; C. J. F. Williams: Aristotle on Cambridge change; Richard Bett: Carneades' Pithanon: A reappraisal of its role and status; Glen Lesses: Virtue and the goods of fortune in stoic moral theory; Theodore Scaltsas: Socratic moral realism: An alternative justification; Malcolm Heath: The unity of Plato's Phaedrus; Christopher Rowe: The unity of Phaedrus: A reply to Malcolm Heath; Malcolm Heath: The unity of Phaedrus: A postscript; Christian Wildberg: Two systems in Aristotle?; Owen Goldin: Problems with Graham's two-systems hypothesis; Daniel W. Graham: Two systems in Aristotle; Ian Mueller: Hyppolytus Retractatus: A discussion of Catherine Osborne, Rethinking early Greek Philosophy; Index Locorum

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Book SynopsisAristotle''s reliance on dialectic as a method of philosophy appears to conflict with his metaphysical realist view of his conclusions. This book explores Aristotle''s philosophical method and the merits of his conclusions, and shows how he defends dialectic against the objection that it cannot justify a metaphysical realist''s claims.The author does not presuppose extensive previous acquaintance with Aristotle. Greek texts are translated, and Greek words transliterated.Trade Review`Undoubtedly a major work - scholarly, learned, detailed ... Irwin's book will certainly be something for Aristotelians to discuss for a long time.' Times Higher Education Supplement`T.H. Irwin's rich book ... is vastly learned ...The argument is always based on a scholarly perusal of the texts; and it is usually presented with philosophical subtelty and precision ... He writes of Aristotle with admiration and with love; and his affection gives a charming blush to a serious book ... already a classic of its kind.' Jonathan Barnes, The Times Literary Supplement'The book is elegantly printed, and conspicuously well proof-read.' Christopher Kirwan, Exeter College, Oxford, Journal of Hellenic Studies, Volume CX, 1990'an emminently readable reference book to the history of the field' Pat Haggard, New Scientist, 20 April 1991`its great strength is that, in spite of its length and scope, Irwin never loses his grip upon a central, organising thesis.' Canadian Philosophical Reviews`This is a very good book. It has much that is original. It is comprehensive ... It is critical ... this is a really important book, and a provocative one; it must be pondered by all who deal seriously with Aristotle.' Ancient Philosophy`remarkable ... This is a scholarly and philosophical work of the first magnitude ... one can only admire the intellectual achievement this book represents, and be grateful for how much there is to learn from it.' Philosophical ReviewTable of ContentsI. The emergence of the problem: The problem of first principles; Inquiry and dialectic; Constructive dialectic; Puzzles and substance; The formal cause; Conditions for science; Puzzles about science; II. Solutions to the problem: The universal science; The science of being; Substance and essence; Essence and form; Form and substance; III. Applications of the solution: The soul as substance; Soul and mind; Action; The good of rational agents; The virtues of rational agents; The good of others; The state; Justice; The consequences of virtue and vice; Reconsiderations; Notes

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Book SynopsisThis volume, which is part of the Clarendon Aristotle Series, offers a clear and faithful new translation of Books II to IV of Aristotle''s Nicomachean Ethics, accompanied by an analytical commentary focusing on philosophical issues. In Books II to IV, Aristotle gives his account of virtue of character in general and of the principal virtues individually, topics of central interest both to his ethical theory and to modern ethical theorists. Consequently major themes of the commentary are connections on the one hand with other relevant Aristotelian texts and on the other with modern writings, both text-related and thematic. Since the main aim of the volume is to make Aristotle''s thought as accessible as possible to readers who do not know Greek, considerable care is taken to elucidate both his technical vocabulary and significant features of his Greek idiom. C. C. W. Taylor also provides systematic comparisons with other translations into English and other languages, and frequent referTrade ReviewChristopher Taylor provides, for students and professionals alike, a helpfully close translation of, and much useful commentary on, the second, third, and fourth books of the Nicomachean Ethics .. . . a translation that eminently meets the goals of the Clarendon series: it is accurate, readable, and accompanied by a philosophically-oriented commentary . . . the commentary is a highly informed, often insightful, frequently illuminating guide . . . that will certainly repay close study, whatever one's prior level of expertise on Aristotle's ethics might be.. . . this is a volume I am very pleased to recommend, to specialists and non-specialists alike * Allan Gotthelf, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Serious readers of the Nicomachean Ethics will certainly want to own this book. * Peter Aronoff *

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Book SynopsisThis book aims to make the `Republic' accessible and intelligible to those coming to it for the first time, or with little or no philosophical background, but it also contains much of interest to the more advanced student.

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Book SynopsisSocrates'' greatest philosophical contribution was to have initiated the search for definitions. In Definition in Greek Philosophy his views on definition are examined, together with those of his successors, including Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, Galen, the Sceptics and Plotinus. Although definition was a major pre-occupation for many Greek philosophers, it has rarely been treated as a separate topic in its own right in recent years. This volume, which contains fourteen new essays by leading scholars, aims to reawaken interest in a number of central and relatively unexplored issues concerning definition. These issues are briefly set out in the Introduction, which also seeks to point out scholarly and philosophical questions which merit further study.Trade ReviewAll of the pieces advance our understanding of ancient Greek thought in important ways. College libraries should prize the book; it would also serve as an excellent text for graduate classes in ancient Greek philosophy. For scholars in logic and critical thinking, it would be a great asset to understanding how many contemporary issues have ancient precedents. * Philosophy in Review *Table of ContentsPART A: PLATO ON DEFINITION; PART B: ARISTOTLE ON DEFINITION; PART C: POST-ARISTOTELIAN WRITERS ON DEFINITION

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Book SynopsisAristotle holds that we desire things because they appear good to us--a view still dominant in philosophy now. But what is it for something to appear good? Why does pleasure in particular tend to appear good, as Aristotle holds? And how do appearances of goodness motivate desire and action? No sustained study of Aristotle has addressed these questions, or even recognized them as worth asking. Jessica Moss argues that the notion of the apparent good is crucial to understanding both Aristotle''s psychological theory and his ethics, and the relation between them. Beginning from the parallels Aristotle draws between appearances of things as good and ordinary perceptual appearances such as those involved in optical illusion, Moss argues that on Aristotle''s view things appear good to us, just as things appear round or small, in virtue of a psychological capacity responsible for quasi-perceptual phenomena like dreams and visualization: phantasia (''imagination''). Once we realize that the apTrade Review"[an] excellent book" * Stephen Makin, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsPART I: THE APPARENT GOOD; PART II: THE APPARENT GOOD AND NON-RATIONAL MOTIVATION; PART III: THE APPARENT GOOD AND RATIONAL MOTIVATION

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Book SynopsisIn Books VIII and IX of his masterpiece of moral philosophy, the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle gives perhaps the most famous of all philosophical discussions of friendship. Michael Pakaluk presents the first systematic study in English of these books, showing how important Aristotle''s treatment of friendship is to his ethics as a whole. Pakaluk''s fresh and scrupulously accurate translation is accompanied by a detailed philosophical commentary which reveals the remarkably coherent structure of the books and unfolds with lucidity the various arguments contained within Aristotle''s terse and compressed text. Pakaluk looks at the logical form of Aristotle''s analysis of friendship, at his subtle view of the relationship between friendship and justice, at the role of reciprocity in friendship, at civic friendship and its relation to the family, and at the development of friendship out of self-love and reflexive consciousness. This volume will be a valuable tool for anyone studying AristotTrade ReviewPakaluk's version is clear, regularly faithful to the Greek, and largely free of supplements that lack a clear warrant....He draws attention to difficulties that might be missed but that anyone who would want to understand Aristotle's text must face. * Review of Metaphysics *Table of ContentsPREFACE; TRANSLATION; COMMENTARY; APPENDICES; BIBLIOGRAPHY; GLOSSARY; INDEX

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Book SynopsisArthur Madigan presents a clear, accurate new translation of the third book (Beta) of Aristotle''s Metaphysics, together with two related chapters from the eleventh book (Kappa). Madigan''s accompanying introduction and commentary give detailed guidance to these texts, in which Aristotle sets out what he takes to be the main problems of metaphysics or ''first philosophy'' and assesses possible solutions to them; he takes his starting-point from the work of earlier philosophers, especially Plato and some of the Presocratics. These texts serve as a useful introduction both to Aristotle''s own work on metaphysics and to classical metaphysics in general; they are also a good example of Aristotle''s dialectical method, which reasons not from known truths but from reputable opinions.Trade ReviewMadigan's volume accomplishes what it aims to do...with its close and careful consideration of the text and its many new proposals for reading specific passages, this volume will be greatly appreciated by those undertaking their own serious study... * The Review of Metaphysics *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; TRANSLATION; COMMENTARY; NOTES ON THE TEXT AND TRANSLATION; BIBLIOGRAPHY; GLOSSARIES; INDEXES.

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Book SynopsisStephen Makin presents a clear and accurate new translation of an influential and much-discussed part of Aristotle''s philosophical system, accompanied by an analytical and critical commentary focusing on philosophical issues. In Book Theta of the Metaphysics Aristotle introduces the concepts of actuality and potentiality---which were to remain central to philosophical analysis into the modern era---and explores the distinction between the actual and the potential.Trade ReviewProfessor Makin has produced a great deal of substantive material that deserves consideration, and readers who work through his book will be grateful for his rewarding effort to elucidate this difficult text. * Bryn Mawr Reviews *

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Book SynopsisTranslated from Classical Greek, this text includes an English-Greek and Greek-English glossary, textual notes and detailed introduction to Aristotle's work.Trade ReviewIt is extremely satisfactory to have a commentary on the work as a whole. * Greece & Rome *Table of ContentsBOOK I

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Book SynopsisOn the Parts of Animals is at the heart and soul of Aristotle''s scientific investigation of animals. It not only contains the results of his investigation of why different kinds of animals have the parts that they do; it also opens with a book devoted to laying the philosophical stones of the entire biological enterprise. Those philosophical foundations, in turn, reflect and build on Aristotle''s theory of knowledge, as found in the Analytics, and his metaphysics and natural philosophy, as found in the Metaphysics, Physics, and De Anima. Whether one is interested in Aristotle the philosopher, or Aristotle the biologist, the De Partibus Animalium has a great deal to offer. The translation of the entire four books, with commentary, gives the reader an opportunity to judge the integrity of Aristotle''s zoological practice in books II-IV, in light of the philosophical recommendations for such a study presented in book I. The translation aims to reflect the fine details of Aristotle''s reaTrade Reviewa fine philosophical analysis of the dialogue * Gabor Betegh, Classical World *It is extremely satisfactory to have a commentary on the work as a whole. * Greece & Rome *Table of ContentsBOOK I

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Book SynopsisDavid Bostock presents a fresh critical introduction to one of the great classics of moral philosophy. Aristotle''s Nicomachaen Ethics is and deserves to be his most widely studied work, for much of what it has to say is still important for today''s debate on the problems of ethics. In this new book, David Bostock guides the reader through explanations and evaluations of all the main themes of Aristotle''s work, paying due attention to questions of interpretation, and the differing views of a range of commentators. The emphasis is on the philosophical merits and demerits of the doctrines that emerge and these are critically discussed in simple and straightforward terminology.Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further reading on the themes and ideas discussed within the chapter, and the book finishes with an evaluation of the Ethics as a whole. Bostock provides the ideal companion to study of this great work, helping the reader to engage with its ideas and arguments as living pTrade ReviewDavid Bostock's study succeeds admirably in keeping the text in view from both angles: as a fairly idiosyncratic diagnosis of the intimations of a specific and often formidably distant culture, but also as a vigourous, sustained and illuminating piece of consecutive thinking, which protrudes imperiously into the most pressing puzzles and arguments of our day. ...it guides the student through Aristotle's main themes and arguments, sometimes to dismiss them abruptly, but never without first taking the trouble to grasp them accurately. ... Bostock's thoughtful, patient, decorous, deft and very Oxonian book would be the most instructive of companions * John Dunn, professor of political theory, University of Cambridge *'helpful and original discussions of particular passages' MindTable of ContentsTHE GOOD FOR MAN: FIRST DISCUSSION (BOOK I); VIRTUES OF CHARACTER (BOOK II); JUSTICE (BOOK V); VIRTUES OF INTELLECT (BOOK VI); RESPONSIBILITY (III.1); SELF-CONTROL; PLEASURE (VII.11-14, X.1-5); FRIENDSHIP (BOOKS VIII-IX); THE GOOD FOR MAN: SECOND DISCUSSION (X.6-8); ARISTOTLE'S METHODS IN ETHICS; CONCLUDING REMARKS; REFERENCES; INDEX LOCORUM; GENERAL INDEX

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Book SynopsisEmotions are the focus of intense debate both in contemporary philosophy and psychology and increasingly also in the history of ideas. Simo Knuuttila presents a comprehensive survey of philosophical theories of emotion from Plato to Renaissance times, combining rigorous philosophical analysis with careful historical reconstruction. The first part of the book covers the conceptions of Plato and Aristotle and later ancient views from Stoicism to Neoplatonism and, in addition, their reception and transformation by early Christian thinkers from Clement and Origen to Augustine and Cassian. Knuuttila then proceeds to a discussion of ancient themes in medieval thought, and of new medieval conceptions, codified in the so-called faculty psychology from Avicenna to Aquinas, in thirteenth century taxonomies, and in the voluntarist approach of Duns Scotus, William Ockham, and their followers. Philosophers, classicists, historians of philosophy, historians of psychology, and anyone interested in emTrade ReviewThe book offers a comprehensive, accurate, and textually supported description of the philosophical views of emotion from the fifth century BC to the fifteenth century AD. The wealth of references to primary sources, coupled with the consciousness in the presentation of numerous theoretical accounts, makes the monograph an ideal point of reference for the study of ancient and medieval approaches to emotion ... the book is, I believe, of interest to anyone currently working in the philosophy of emotions * Anthony Hatzimoysis, Mind *Knuutilla's book steers with a sure hand over the rough waters of the philosophical debates of ancient and medieval thought. * Anthony Hatzimoysis, Mind *Knuuttila has done an immense amount of research, covering an extraordinarily wide variety of sources ... it will be a fine resource for any who wish to see how ideas of the soul, and the place of emotions and other faculties and powers in it, evolved from classical antiquity to the high Middle Ages. It is the work of a scholar very much at home in the mediaeval scholastic tradition, who brings to the task a deep understanding of the kinds of reasoning in which these thinkers were engaged. Knuuttila's book will be an excellent starting point for any future investigations of the history of the emotions. * David Konstan, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Emotions in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy; 2. Emotions and the Ancient Pursuit of Christian Perfection; 3. Medieval Conceptions of Emotions from Abelard to Aquinas; 4. Emotions in Fourteenth-Century Philosophy; Bibliography; Index

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Book SynopsisSt. Maximus the Confessor (580-662), was a major Byzantine thinker, a theologian and philosopher. He developed a philosophical theology in which the doctrine of God, creation, the cosmic order, and salvation is integrated in a unified conception of reality. Christ, the divine Logos, is the centre of the principles (the logoi ) according to which the cosmos is created, and in accordance with which it shall convert to its divine source. Torstein Tollefsen treats Maximus'' thought from a philosophical point of view, and discusses similar thought patterns in pagan Neoplatonism. The study focuses on Maximus'' doctrine of creation, in which he denies the possibility of eternal coexistence of uncreated divinity and created and limited being. Tollefsen shows that by the logoi God institutes an ordered cosmos in which separate entities of different species are ontologically interrelated, with man as the centre of the created world. The book also investigates Maximus'' teaching of God''s activities or energies, and shows how participation in these energies is conceived according to the divine principles of the logoi. An extensive discussion of the complex topic of participation is provided.Trade ReviewThis eminently thorough monograph provides a fine account of the cosmology of St Maximus, rightly christening it Christocentric yet remaining alive to its Trinitarian dimentions. ... This book does a great service in deepening and expanding our understanding of Maximus' well-known doctrine of the logoi. ... Readers with interests in later Byzantine and Orthodox theology will be fascinated by the presentation of Maximus' teaching on divine essence and energies as being firmly set on a Palamite trajectory. This is a careful and illuminating study of arguably the greatest Byzantine theologian. * Marcus Plested, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. The divine Ideas and the creation of the Cosmos ; 3. The Logos, the logoi and created beings ; 4. The divine activity ; 5. The concept of participation ; Conclusion ; Bibliography ; Index

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Book SynopsisThe Introduction to philosophy written by Porphyry at the end of the second century AD is the most successful work of its kind ever to have been published. It was translated into most respectable languages, and for a millennium and a half every student of philosophy read it as his first text in the subject. Porphyry''s aim was modest: he intended to explain the meaning of five terms, ''genus'', ''species'', ''difference'', ''property'', and ''accident'' - terms which he took to be important to Aristotelian logic and metaphysics, and hence to philosophy in general. Thus in principle the Introduction is simple and elementary. In fact, there are sometimes difficulties and doubts on the surface of the text - and beneath the surface there are frequent depths or profundities. The work raises, directly or indirectly, a number of perennial philosophical questions. In addition, the Introduction became, in Boethius''s Latin translation, the point of reference for one of the longest-lasting of phTrade Review...it should soon become essential reading for every scholar in medieval and renaissance studies. * Alan R. Perreiah, Transcendent Philosophy *... notable contribution to the scholarship on post-classical philosophy ... shed[s] valuable light on what philosophy would have meant to the church fathers ... a fundamental text in logic from the ancient world. * Sobornost *Jonathan Barnes has done us a considerable service in his translation of Porphyry's brief but enormously important overview of the basic categories of philosophy, the Introduction ... in this book Barnes has produced a masterful commentary that elucidates the text in terms of philosophy, history and philology. * Sobornost *The commentary achieves much more than mere elucidation of Porphyry's words. It analyses his arguments, tracks down their (mostly Aristotelian) origins, and vigorously pursues their logical and metaphysical implications. Barnes' mastery of the field is breathtaking. * RHIZAI *A full-scale English commentary has been long overdue on this text of immense historical importance. What Barnes provides us with is more than that - it is the most complete and authoritative modern work on Porphyry's Introduction to date. * RHIZAI *All through, Barnes gives a refreshing sense of cleaning off the layers of varnish on a cherished heirloom. * Michael Trapp, Times Literary Supplement *... an excellent piece of work. * Michael Trapp, Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION ; TRANSLATION ; COMMENTARY

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Book SynopsisDeterminism and Freedom in Stoic Philosophy is the first comprehensive study of one of the most important intellectual legacies of the ancient Greek world: the Stoic theory of causal determinism. The book identifies the main problems that the Stoics addressed and reconstructs the theory, and explores how they squared their determinism with their conceptions of possibility, action, freedom, and moral responsibility, and how they defended it against objections and criticism by other philosophers. It shows how the Stoics distinguished their causal determinism from ancient theories of logical determinism, fatalism, and necessitarianism. Along the way an authoritative account is given of many other related aspects of Stoic thought, including their views on the predictability of the future, the role of empirical sciences, the determination of character, and moral freedom. Bobzien''s study of these central doctrines of Stoicism reveals the considerable philosphical richness and power that theTrade ReviewThis is a work of magnificent scope and superb execution ... Suzanne Bobzien brings to her huge exegetical agenda an exceptional combination of clarity, independence of mind, knowledge of the sources, skill and judgement in using them, and logical expertise. As well as teaching us a great deal about Stoicism, this book is an education in how to deal with ancient philosophical texts ... Suzanne Bobzien has given us a marvellous aid for understanding and appreciating the Stoic doctrine of fate. * Sarah Broadie, Mind *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Determinism and Fate ; 2. Two Chrysippean Arguments for Causal Determinism ; 3. Modality, Determinism, and Freedom ; 4. Divination, Modality,and Universal Regularity ; 5. Fate, Action, and Motivation: The Idle Argument ; 6. Determinism and Moral Responsibility: Chrysippus's Compatibilism ; 7. Freedom and that which Depends on us: Epictetus and Early Stoics ; 8. A Later Stoic Theory of Compatibilism ; Bibliography; Indexes

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Book SynopsisWhat is the relation between time and change? Does time depend on the mind? Is the present always the same or is it always different? Aristotle tackles these questions in the Physics, and Time for Aristotle is the first book in English devoted to this discussion.Aristotle claims that time is not a kind of change, but that it is something dependent on change; he defines it as a kind of ''number of change''. Ursula Coope argues that what this means is that time is a kind of order (not, as is commonly supposed, a kind of measure). It is universal order within which all changes are related to each other. This interpretation enables Coope to explain two puzzling claims that Aristotle makes: that the now is like a moving thing, and that time depends for its existence on the mind. Brilliantly lucid in its explanation of this challenging section of the Physics, Time for Aristotle shows his discussion to be of enduring philosophical interest.Trade Review...elegantly-written...I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Aristotle, ancient metaphysics, or the philosophy of time... * Tony Roark, MIND *Table of ContentsI. INTRODUCTORY PUZZLES AND THE STARTING POINTS OF INQUIRY ; II. TIME'S DEPENDENCE ON CHANGE ; III. TIME AS A NUMBER AND TIME AS A MEASURE ; IV. THE SAMENESS AND DIFFERENCE OF TIMES AND NOWS ; V. TWO CONSEQUENCES OF ARISTOTLE'S ACCOUNT OF TIME

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Book SynopsisThe Founders of Modern Political and Social Thought series presents critical examinations of the work of major political philosophers and social theorists, assessing both their initial contribution and their continuing relevance to politics and society. Each volume provides a clear, accessible, historically informed account of a thinker''s work, focusing on a reassessment of the central ideas and arguments. The series encourages scholars and students to link their study of classic texts to current debates in political philosophy and social theory.In this authoritative general account of Plato''s political thought, a leading scholar of ancient Greek philosophy explores its key themes: education, democracy and its shortcomings, the role of knowledge in government, utopia and the idea of community, money and its grip on the psyche, ideological uses of religion. Between them these define what Plato considered to be the fundamental challenges for politics. All remain live issues. On all of Trade Review...intriguing... * TLS *Malcolm Schofield has written an outstanding overview and critical assessment of Plato's political philosophy. As befits a volume meant to be accessible to non-specialists, he ranges widely over many topics and emphasizes the ways in which Plato is still able to engage a contemporary reader committed to open-minded reflection on the norms that should govern the modern nation-state. At the same time, Schofield brings to this work a deep understanding of Plato's embeddedness in the culture of fifth and fourth century Athens * Richard Kraut, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Schofield is also thoroughly immersed in the enormous literature that has gathered around Plato's political writings, and he is unfailingly fair-minded in his treatment ... of other authors. There is no better way to enter this aspect of Plato's thought than to read this fine contribution to the series, Founders of Modern Political and Social Thought, edited by Mark Philp... It will endure as an indispensable guide not only to its principal subject - the Republic - but to all of Plato's political writings, and to their enduring interest today. * Richard Kraut, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. The Republic: contexts and projects ; 2. Athens, democracy, and freedom ; 3. Problematizing democracy ; 4. The rule of knowledge ; 5. Utopia ; 6. Money and the soul ; 7. Ideology ; Conclusion

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Book SynopsisAristotle''s Prior Analytics marks the beginning of formal logic. For Aristotle himself, this meant the discovery of a general theory of valid deductive argument, a project that he had described as either impossible or impracticable, probably not very long before he actually came up with syllogistic reasoning. A syllogism is the inferring of one proposition from two others of a particular form, and it is the subject of the Prior Analytics. The first book, to which this volume is devoted, offers a fairly coherent presentation of Aristotle''s logic as a general theory of deductive argument.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION ; 1. TRANSLATION ; 2. COMMENTARY ; NOTES ON THE TEXT ; BIBLIOGRAPHY ; GLOSSARY ; INDEX OF PASSAGES CITED ; GENERAL INDEX

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