Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy Books

Book SynopsisSurveys a wide range of methods of Platonic interpretation, ranging from the dialogues themselves, to Middle and Neoplatonic interpretations of Plato's writings, to modern uses of Platonism. As a philosophical movement, Platonism is broadly conceived, covering schools and philosophers beginning with Plato and his immediate followers and extending through contemporary philosophers.

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Book SynopsisThe Blackwell Companion to Aristotle aims to provide in-depth studies of the main themes of Aristotle's thought, from art to zoology. Comprised of a total of forty essays, it will include, among others, seven essays on his views on metaphysics, three on psychology, three on biology, eight on ethics, five on politics, and four on rhetoric and art.Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors xi Preface xvi Abbreviations of Aristotle’s Works xviii Part I Aristotle’s Life and Works 1 1 Aristotle’s Life 3 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS 2 Aristotle’s Works and the Development of His Thought 14 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Part II The Tools of Inquiry 29 3 Deductive Logic 31 DAVID KEYT 4 Aristotle’s Theory of Demonstration 51 ROBIN SMITH 5 Empiricism and the First Principles of Aristotelian Science 66 MICHAEL FEREJOHN 6 Aristotle on Signification and Truth 81 PAOLO CRIVELLI 7 Aristotle’s Methods 101 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Part III Theoretical Knowledge 123 A. Metaphysics 8 The Science and Axioms of Being 125 MICHAEL V. WEDIN 9 Aristotelian Categories 144 GARETH B. MATTHEWS 10 Form and Matter 162 FRANK A. LEWIS 11 Aristotle on Universals 186 MICHAEL J. LOUX 12 Substances 197 S. MARC COHEN 13 Causes 213 R. J. HANKINSON 14 Heavenly Bodies and First Causes 230 SARAH BROADIE B. Physics 15 Mixing the Elements 242 THEODORE SCALTSAS 16 Aristotle on the Infi nite, Space, and Time 260 MICHAEL J. WHITE 17 Change and Its Relation to Actuality and Potentiality 277 URSULA COOPE C. Psychology 18 The Aristotelian Psuchê 292 CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS 19 Sensation and Desire 310 DEBORAH KAREN WARD MODRAK 20 Phantasia and Thought 322 VICTOR CASTON D. Biology 21 Teleology in Living Things 335 MOHAN MATTHEN 22 Form, Essence, and Explanation in Aristotle’s Biology 348 JAMES G. LENNOX 23 Generation of Animals 368 DEVIN M. HENRY Part IV Practical Knowledge 385 A. Ethics 24 Happiness and the Structure of Ends 387 GABRIEL RICHARDSON LEAR 25 Pleasure 404 GEORGE RUDEBUSCH 26 Human Excellence in Character and Intellect 419 GAVIN LAWRENCE 27 Courage 442 CHARLES M. YOUNG 28 Justice 457 CHARLES M. YOUNG 29 Friendship 471 MICHAEL PAKALUK 30 Voluntary, Involuntary, and Choice 483 ROBERT HEINAMAN 31 Aristotle on Action, Practical Reason, and Weakness of the Will 498 NORMAN O. DAHL B. Politics 32 The Naturalness of the Polis in Aristotle 512 C. D. C. REEVE 33 Rulers and Ruled 526 ROBERT MAYHEW 34 Aristotle on the Ideal Constitution 540 FRED D. MILLER, JR. 35 Excellences of the Citizen and of the Individual 555 JEAN ROBERTS 36 Education and the State 566 RICHARD STALLEY Part V Productive Knowledge 577 A. Rhetoric 37 The Nature and Goals of Rhetoric 579 CHRISTOF RAPP 38 Passions and Persuasion 597 STEPHEN LEIGHTON B. Art 39 Aristotle’s Poetics: The Aim of Tragedy 612 PAUL WOODRUFF 40 The Elements of Tragedy 628 ELIZABETH BELFIORE Index 64

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Book SynopsisWritten by an outstanding international team of scholars, this Companion explores the profound influence of Socrates on the history of Western philosophy. A survey exploring the profound influence of Socrates on the history of Western philosophy. Discusses the life of Socrates and key philosophical doctrines associated with him.Trade Review“Those willing to have their study of Socrates stretched beyond the typical boundaries of philosophical and classical scholarship may regard this volume as something of a treasure.” (Philosophy In Review) "Everyone interested in Socrates and his legacy will find something valuable in this book..." (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews) "Technical issues are treated thoroughly and comprehensibly and the state of knowledge on Socrates is comprehensively presented both for today and its historical contexts. Its subject matter will be of interest to non-specialists with a penchant for philosophy, or for the history of thoght, since there is as much of interest here about the influence of Socrates on later periods as there is on the thought of the philosopher himself." (Reference Reviews)Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors x Preface xiv Acknowledgments xxiv PART ONE: SOCRATES IN ANTIQUITY Section I: Biography and Sources 1 The Trial and Death of Socrates 5 Debra Nails 2 Socrates and Euripides 21 Christian Wildberg 3 Socrates Among the Sophists 36 Paul Woodruff 4 Socrates the Freethinker 48 Richard Janko 5 How Does Socrates’ Divine Sign Communicate with Him? 63 A. A. Long 6 Socrates, Antisthenes, and the Cynics 75 Susan Prince 7 Xenophon’s Socrates 93 Louis-André Dorion 8 Picturing Socrates 110 Kenneth Lapatin Section II: Plato 9 Socrates in Plato’s Dialogues 159 Christopher Rowe 10 No One Errs Willingly: The Meaning of Socratic Intellectualism 171 Heda Segvic 11 Socratic Love 186 George Rudebusch 12 Socrates and Religious Experience 200 John Bussanich 13 The Politics of Plato’s Socrates 214 Rachana Kamtekar 14 The Examined Life 228 Richard Kraut 15 Socrates: Seeker or Preacher? 243 Roslyn Weiss 16 Socratic Method and Socratic Truth 254 Harold Tarrant Section III: Hellenistic Philosophy 17 Socrates in the Stoa 275 Eric Brown 18 Socrates and Epictetus 285 Tad Brennan 19 Socrates and Skepticism 299 Richard Bett PART TWO: SOCRATES AFTER ANTIQUITY Section IV: From the Medieval Period to Modernity 20 Socrates in Arabic Philosophy 317 Ilai Alon 21 Socrates in the Italian Renaissance 337 James Hankins 22 The Private Life of Socrates in Early Modern France 353 Daniel R. McLean 23 Socrates in Hegel and Others 368 Nicholas White Section V: The Modern Period 24 Kierkegaard’s Socratic Point of View 389 Paul Muench 25 Nietzsche and “The Problem of Socrates” 406 James I. Porter 26 The Socratic Hermeneutics of Heidegger and Gadamer 426 Francisco J. Gonzalez 27 The Socratic Method and Psychoanalysis 442 Jonathan Lear 28 Lacan and Socrates 463 Mark Buchan 29 From Grade School to Law School: Socrates’ Legacy in Education 476 Avi Mintz 30 Socrates’ Definitional Inquiries and the History of Philosophy 493 Hayden W. Ausland Index 511

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Plato''s Republic is an accessible introduction to the concepts of justice that inform Plato''s Republic, elucidating the ancient philosopher''s main argument that we would be better off leading just lives rather than unjust ones. Provides a much needed up to date discussion of The Republic''s fundamental ideas and Plato''s main argument Discusses the unity and coherence of The Republic as a whole Written in a lively style, informed by over 50 years of teaching experience Reveals rich insights into a timeless classic that holds remarkable relevance to the modern world Trade Review"Santas's critical engagement with the text and emphasis on getting the reader involved in its debates and arguments…is the real strength of this book. Someone who reads it will come away with an appreciation for the continued relevance and value of the arguments in the Republic, and that is, in my mind, something very good indeed." (Michelle Jenkins, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, August 27 2011) "Santas's long career in philosophy and in the classroom has resulted in a wonderful new reading of Plato's Republic. The analysis is close, fresh, and revealing, and at the same time remarkably concise.... Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty." (Choice, 1 July 2011)Table of ContentsPreface xi 1 Introduction: The Style, Main Argument, and Basic Ideas of the Republic 1 1 The Dialogue Style and the Characters 2 2 The Main Argument and Plot of the Republic 5 3 The Fundamental Ideas of the Republic 8 2 Is Justice the Interest of the Rulers? Is It Good for Us? The Challenge of Thrasymachus 15 1 Why does Thrasymachus Think that Justice is the Interest of the Rulers? 16 2 Socrates’ Refutations of Thrasymachus’ Premises 19 3 Is [the] Justice [of Thrasymachus] Good for Me? 24 4 Thrasymachus Unconvinced, Socrates Dissatisfied. What Has Gone Wrong? 31 3 Justice by Agreement. Is It Good Enough? The Challenge of Plato’s Brothers 36 1 What is Justice? Glaucon’s Theory of a Social Contract 36 2 Glaucon and Thrasymachus on what Justice is: Results and Methods 41 3 Why should I be Just? 44 4 What is a Just Society? Plato’s own Social Ideal 55 1 What is Justice? Socrates Divides the Question 55 2 What is a Just Society? The Problem of Justice, and How Socrates Tries to Solve It 59 3 The Functional Theory of Good and Virtue 63 4 Plato’s Defi nitions of Justice and the other Virtues of his Completely Good City 67 5 Return to Plato’s Methods for Discovering Justice 71 5 Plato’s Ideal of a Just and Good Person 76 1 The Analogy between a Just City and a Just Soul 77 2 Plato’s Analysis of the Human Psyche 79 3 Parts of the Human Psyche: Faculties or Agents? 81 4 Just, Temperate, Brave, and Wise Human Souls 89 5 Plato’s Ideal of Rationality 93 6 The Virtues and Vices of the City-soul Analogy 100 6 The Equality of Women: Plato’s Blindfold 107 1 The Blindfold of Justice 107 2 Does Plato’s Justice wear a Blindfold? 109 3 The Gender Blindfold of Plato’s Justice 110 4 Was Plato an Advocate of Women’s Rights? Was He a Feminist? 114 7 Knowledge and Governing Well: Opinions and Knowledge, Forms and the Good 120 1 Ideals as Standards and their Approximations 120 2 The Paradox of the Philosopher-king: Knowledge and Political Power 122 3 Knowledge and Opinions 124 4 Platonic Forms and Physical Particulars 127 5 Plato’s Theory of the Form of the Good 137 6 Knowledge of Good 143 7 How Elitist is Plato’s Completely Good City? 146 8 Plato’s Criticisms of Democracy and the Democratic Character 158 1 Political Equalities and Economic Inequalities 159 2 Platonic Knowledge and Democratic Ruling 165 3 Plato’s Criticisms of Democratic Freedoms 170 4 Plato’s Democratic Character: Freedom and Equality in the Human Psyche 174 5 Plato’s Criticisms of his Democratic Character 177 9 Plato’s Defense of his Social and Psychic Justice 187 1 Is Plato’s Social Justice Justice at all? 189 2 Is Plato’s Political Justice Better for me than the Justice of Thrasymachus or the Justice of Plato’s Brothers? 192 3 Is Plato’s Political Justice Good for All the Citizens? 194 4 Plato’s Defense of his Just Person: The Sachs Problem 202 5 The Defense of Justice as the Health of the Soul 208 6 The Defense of the Just Life as the Pleasantest 212 Bibliography 220 Index 227

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Book SynopsisThe Blackwell Guide to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics illuminates Aristotle's ethics for both academics and students new to the work, with sixteen newly commissioned essays by distinguished international scholars. The structure of the book mirrors the organization of the Nichomachean Ethics itself. Discusses the human good, the general nature of virtue, the distinctive characteristics of particular virtues, voluntariness, self-control, and pleasure. Trade Review“Searching for light on Aristotle’s ethics? Look no further than this fine collection of new essays on the major topics of the Nicomachean Ethics from leading scholars of five countries.” David Keyt, University of Washington “This is a stimulating and wide-ranging collection of lucid and rigorous essays by some of the world’s finest Aristotelian scholars. It offers fresh insights into Aristotle’s arguments, methodology, influence, and contemporary relevance and will appeal both to first-time readers and those returning to the work.” Angela Hobbs, University of Warwick “A welcome addition for anyone interested in Aristotle’s ethics. Its authors form an impressive list of scholars, and it covers a wide range of topics relevant to Aristotle's ethics. Worth owning.” Norman Dahl, University of MinnesotaTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors. Acknowledgment. Abbreviations. Introduction (Richard Kraut). 1. Aristotle’s Ethical Treatises (Chris Bobonich). 2. Human Good and Human Function (Gavin Lawrence). 3. How to Justify Ethical Propositions: Aristotle’s Method (Richard Kraut). 4. The Central Doctrine of the Mean (Rosalind Hursthouse). 5. Aristotle on Moral Virtue and the Fine (Gabriel Richardson Lear). 6. Aristotle on the Voluntary (Susan Sauve Meyer). 7. Aristotle on Greatness of Soul (Roger Crisp). 8. Aristotle’s Justice (Charles Young). 9. Aristotle on the Virtues of Thought (C.D.C. Reeve). 10. The Practical Syllogism (Paula Gottlieb). 11. Acrasia and Self-Control (A.W. Price). 12. Pleasure and Pain in Aristotle’s Ethics (Dorothea Frede). 13. The Nicomachean Account of Philia (Jennifer Whiting). 14. Aristotle’s Political Ethics (Malcolm Schofield). 15. Aquinas, Natural Law, and Aristotelian Eudaemonism (T. H. Irwin). 16. Aristotle and Contemporary Ethics (Sarah Broadie). Index of Passages from Aristotle. General Index.

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Book SynopsisThe Blackwell Guide to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics illuminates Aristotle's ethics for both academics and students new to the work, with sixteen newly commissioned essays by distinguished international scholars. The structure of the book mirrors the organization of the Nichomachean Ethics itself. Discusses the human good, the general nature of virtue, the distinctive characteristics of particular virtues, voluntariness, self-control, and pleasure. Trade Review“Searching for light on Aristotle’s ethics? Look no further than this fine collection of new essays on the major topics of the Nicomachean Ethics from leading scholars of five countries.” David Keyt, University of Washington “This is a stimulating and wide-ranging collection of lucid and rigorous essays by some of the world’s finest Aristotelian scholars. It offers fresh insights into Aristotle’s arguments, methodology, influence, and contemporary relevance and will appeal both to first-time readers and those returning to the work.” Angela Hobbs, University of Warwick “A welcome addition for anyone interested in Aristotle’s ethics. Its authors form an impressive list of scholars, and it covers a wide range of topics relevant to Aristotle's ethics. Worth owning.” Norman Dahl, University of MinnesotaTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors vii Acknowledgment ix Abbreviations x Introduction 1 Richard Kraut 1 Aristotle’s Ethical Treatises 12 Chris Bobonich 2 Human Good and Human Function 37 Gavin Lawrence 3 How to Justify Ethical Propositions: Aristotle’s Method 76 Richard Kraut 4 The Central Doctrine of the Mean 96 Rosalind Hursthouse 5 Aristotle on Moral Virtue and the Fine 116 Gabriel Richardson Lear 6 Aristotle on the Voluntary 137 Susan Sauvé Meyer 7 Aristotle on Greatness of Soul 158 Roger Crisp 8 Aristotle’s Justice 179 Charles M. Young 9 Aristotle on the Virtues of Thought 198 C. D. C. Reeve 10 The Practical Syllogism 218 Paula Gottlieb 11 Acrasia and Self-control 234 A. W. Price 12 Pleasure and Pain in Aristotle’s Ethics 255 Dorothea Frede 13 The Nicomachean Account of Philia 276 Jennifer Whiting 14 Aristotle’s Political Ethics 305 Malcolm Schofield 15 Aquinas, Natural Law, and Aristotelian Eudaimonism 323 T. H. Irwin 16 Aristotle and Contemporary Ethics 342 Sarah Broadie Index of Passages from Aristotle 362 General Index 377

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Book SynopsisThe Blackwell Companion to Aristotle aims to provide in-depth studies of the main themes of Aristotle's thought, from art to zoology. Comprised of a total of forty essays, it will include, among others, seven essays on his views on metaphysics, three on psychology, three on biology, eight on ethics, five on politics, and four on rhetoric and art.Trade Review"Georgios Anagnostopolous is to be congratulated on completing what must have been a time-consuming and exacting task. Even those few essays in this volume that might (arguably) lack the sure and effortless touch contain solid and respectable contributions and the bar has been set pretty high by most of these authors." (Bryn Mawr, 2010) "This companion will be a useful resource for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as scholars." (CHOICE, 2009)Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors xi Preface xvi Abbreviations of Aristotle’s Works xviii Part I ARISTOTLE’S LIFE AND WORKS 1 1 Aristotle’s Life 3 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS 2 Aristotle’s Works and the Development of His Thought 14 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Part II THE TOOLS OF INQUIRY 29 3 Deductive Logic 31 DAVID KEYT 4 Aristotle’s Theory of Demonstration 51 ROBIN SMITH 5 Empiricism and the First Principles of Aristotelian Science 66 MICHAEL FEREJOHN 6 Aristotle on Signification and Truth 81 PAOLO CRIVELLI 7 Aristotle’s Methods 101 GEORGIOS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Part III THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE 123 A. Metaphysics 8 The Science and Axioms of Being 125 MICHAEL V. WEDIN 9 Aristotelian Categories 144 GARETH B. MATTHEWS 10 Form and Matter 162 FRANK A. LEWIS 11 Aristotle on Universals 186 MICHAEL J. LOUX 12 Substances 197 S. MARC COHEN 13 Causes 213 R. J. HANKINSON 14 Heavenly Bodies and First Causes 230 SARAH BROADIE B. Physics 15 Mixing the Elements 242 THEODORE SCALTSAS 16 Aristotle on the Infi nite, Space, and Time 260 MICHAEL J. WHITE 17 Change and Its Relation to Actuality and Potentiality 277 URSULA COOPE C. Psychology 18 The Aristotelian Psuchê 292 CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS 19 Sensation and Desire 310 DEBORAH KAREN WARD MODRAK 20 Phantasia and Thought 322 VICTOR CASTON D. Biology 21 Teleology in Living Things 335 MOHAN MATTHEN 22 Form, Essence, and Explanation in Aristotle’s Biology 348 JAMES G. LENNOX 23 Generation of Animals 368 DEVIN M. HENRY Part IV PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE 385 A. Ethics 24 Happiness and the Structure of Ends 387 GABRIEL RICHARDSON LEAR 25 Pleasure 404 GEORGE RUDEBUSCH 26 Human Excellence in Character and Intellect 419 GAVIN LAWRENCE 27 Courage 442 CHARLES M. YOUNG 28 Justice 457 CHARLES M. YOUNG 29 Friendship 471 MICHAEL PAKALUK 30 Voluntary, Involuntary, and Choice 483 ROBERT HEINAMAN 31 Aristotle on Action, Practical Reason, and Weakness of the Will 498 NORMAN O. DAHL B. Politics 32 The Naturalness of the Polis in Aristotle 512 C. D. C. REEVE 33 Rulers and Ruled 526 ROBERT MAYHEW 34 Aristotle on the Ideal Constitution 540 FRED D. MILLER, JR. 35 Excellences of the Citizen and of the Individual 555 JEAN ROBERTS 36 Education and the State 566 RICHARD STALLEY Part V PRODUCTIVE KNOWLEDGE 577 A. Rhetoric 37 The Nature and Goals of Rhetoric 579 CHRISTOF RAPP 38 Passions and Persuasion 597 STEPHEN LEIGHTON B. Art 39 Aristotle’s Poetics: The Aim of Tragedy 612 PAUL WOODRUFF 40 The Elements of Tragedy 628 ELIZABETH BELFIORE Index 643

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Book SynopsisPart of The Blackwell Readings in Philosophy Series, this survey of ancient philosophy explores the scope of ancient philosophy, focusing on the key philosophers and their texts, examining how the foundations of philosophy as we know it were laid. Focuses on the key philosophers and their texts, from Pre-Socratic thinkers through to the Neo-Platonists Brings together the key primary writings of Thales, Xenophanes, Parmenides, Anaxagoras, Gorgias, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Lucretius, Seneca, Sextus Empiricus, Plotinus, and many others Is broken down into eight chronological sections for easy comprehension and comparison The readings are accompanied by expert commentary from the editors Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. List of Sources. Chronology. Map 1 The Greek World (6th–5th centuries BCE). Map 2 The Hellenistic Period (323–31 BCE). Map 3 The Late Roman Empire. General Introduction. I: The Presocratics and Sophists:. 1. The Milesians: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes. 2. Xenophanes of Colophon, Heracleitus of Ephesus, and Pythagoras of Samos. 3. The Eleatics: Parmenides, and Zeno of Elea and Melissus of Samos. 4. The Pluralists: Empedocles of Acragas and Anaxagoras of Clazomenae. 5. The Atomists: Leucippus of Elea (or Miletus) and Democritus of Abdera. 6. The Sophists: Protagoras of Abdera, Gorgias of Leontini, and Antiphon. II: Xenophon:. Introduction. 7. Memorabilia. III: Plato:. Introduction. 8. Euthyphro. 9. Apology. 10. Crito. 11. Meno. 12. Phaedo. 13. Symposium. 14. Republic. 15. Parmenides. 16. Timaeus. IV: Aristotle:. Introduction. 17. Categories. 18. On Interpretation. 19. Physics. 20. On the Soul. 21. Metaphysics. 22. Nicomachean Ethics. 23. Politics. V: Diogenes the Cynic:. Introduction. 24. Diogenes Laertius, Life of Diogenes. VI: Epicurus and Epicureanism:. Introduction. 25. Epicurus, Letter to Herodotus; Letter to Menoeceus; Principle Doctrines. 26. Lucretius, On the Nature of Things. VII: Stoics and Stoicism:. Introduction. 27. Diogenes Laertius on Stoicism. 28. Epictetus, Manual. VIII: Skeptics and Skepticism:. Introduction. 29. Diogenes Laertius, Life of Pyrrho. 30. Sextus Empiricus, Outlines of Pyrrhonism. 31. Sextus Empiricus, Against the Professors. IX: Neoplatonism:. Introduction. 32. Plotinus, Enneads. 33. Proclus, On Evil. Bibliography. Recommended Further Reading (English-Language Sources). Index.

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Book SynopsisGeorge Rudebusch's Socrates presents a compelling case for taking Socrates' arguments and wild conclusions seriously, not merely as abstract exercises in cross examining ideas of human excellence, but as a heavenly way for human beings to live.Trade Review“The book is well and lucidly written, with plentiful tables and diagrams and excerpts . . ..She will have to be a bright student, because some of Rudebusch’s arguments are quite subtle; but I, for one, would have no hesitation in recommending the book to such a student.” (The Heythrop Journal, 4 September 2013) "This relatively short volume serves as an excellent introduction to Socratic philosophy. Readers who are new to the enigmatic philosopher will learn much about who he was, what his principal doctrines were and why he held them. Remarkably comprehensive in its scope, it is throughout lucid, engaging and provocative. But this is also a book that will benefit even the most seasoned scholars regardless of how they view the author's basic interpretative stance. [The author's] reconstructions of Socrates' arguments for his ‘wild ideas' are invariably rigorous, plausible, faithful to the text and well informed by current scholarly debates. It is a rare book that so well serves such different readerships." (Thomas Brickhouse, The Classical Review, 2011) "A lucid and engaging account of the philosophy of Socrates. ... The experience of this book will be joyous for many readers, as it was for me. Rudebusch's advocacy of Socrates as a thinker who has much to tell us about the good human life is carried off with passion and grace, as well as an enviable succinctness and clarity. It is a treatment that I expect will succeed, deservedly, in winning over new advocates." (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, April 2010)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. Translations Used. Introduction. The Ion: 1. Interpreting Socrates The Apology: 2. Mission From God 3. Puzzling Notoriety The Protagoras: 4. Bravery 5. Knowledge Rules The Laches: 6. Bravery Again 7. Puzzling Pedagogy The Lysis: 8. Love The Euthydemus: 9. Luck The Meno: 10. Desire Book 1 of the Republic: 11. Benevolence 12. Happiness 13. Freedom The Euthyphro: 14. Reverence The Crito: 15. World Religion The Phaedo: 16. Last Words Epilogue: Socrates or Plato? Index of Passages Cited. General Index.

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Book SynopsisA Companion to Ancient Philosophy provides a comprehensive and current overview of the history of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy from its origins until late antiquity.Trade Review“This Companion does a good job of introducing students to the study of ancient philosophy…This book will give students a sense of what working in the area of ancient philosophy involves and may encourage them to develop some of the requisite skills themselves rather than simply furnish another source for regurgitation.” (The Classical Review, Vol 58 No. 1 2008) "[T]he Companion draws together a wealth of material, presented in accordance with the most recent scholarly standards for the interpretation of ancient philosophical texts. The Companion will be an excellent source-book for students interested in the study of ancient philosophy, as well as for scholars who are rethinking their views on well-known problems by considering the new perspectives offered." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review)Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors viii Acknowledgments xiv Abbreviations xv Chronology xvi Maps xxvi Introduction xxix Part I: Early Greek Philosophy 1. The Beginnings of Science and Philosophy in Archaic Greece 3 Edward Hussey 2. Ancient Philosophy and the Doxographical Tradition 20 Jørgen Mejer 3. Parmenides and After: Unity and Plurality 34 Patricia Curd 4. The Concept of the Universal in Some Later Pre-Platonic Cosmologists 56 Alexander P. D. Mourelatos 5. The Sophistic Movement 77 Rachel Barney Part II: Socrates, the Socratics, and Plato 6. Socrates 101 Donald R. Morrison 7. Minor Socratics 119 Fernanda Decleva Caizzi 8. The Platonic Dialogue 136 Christopher Gill 9. Plato’s Ethics: Early and Middle Dialogues 151 Terry Penner 10. Plato’s Political Philosophy: The Republic, the Statesman, and the Laws 170 Melissa Lane 11. Plato’s Metaphysics and Dialectic 192 Noburu Notomi 12. Plato’s Natural Philosophy and Metaphysics 212 Luc Brisson Part III: Aristotle 13. The Aristotelian Way 235 Pierre Pellegrin 14. Aristotle’s Logic and Theory of Science 245 Wolfgang Detel 15. Aristotle’s Physics and Cosmology 270 István Bodnár and Pierre Pellegrin 16. Aristotle’s Biology and Aristotle’s Philosophy 292 James G. Lennox 17. Aristotle’s Psychology 316 Victor Caston 18. First Philosophy in Aristotle 347 Mary Louise Gill 19. Aristotle’s Ethics 374 Michael Pakaluk 20. Aristotle’s Political Philosophy 393 David Keyt Part IV: Philosophy in the Hellenistic Age 21. Philosophic Schools in Hellenistic and Roman Times 415 Thomas Bénatouïl 22. The Problem of Sources 430 Robert W. Sharples 23. The New Academy and its Rivals 448 Carlos Lévy 24. Pyrrhonism 465 Jacques Brunschwig 25. Epicureanism 486 Pierre-Marie Morel 26. Stoic Logic 505 Katerina Ierodiakonou 27. Stoic Ethics 530 Richard Bett 28. Hellenistic Cosmopolitanism 549 Eric Brown Part V: Middle and Late Platonism 29. Middle Platonism 561 Marco Zambon 30. Plotinus 577 Luc Brisson and Jean-François Pradeau 31. What was Commentary in Late Antiquity? The Example of the Neoplatonic Commentators 597 Philippe Hoffmann Part VI: Culture, Philosophy, and the Sciences 32. Greek Philosophy and Religion 625 Gábor Betegh 33. Philosophy of Language 640 Deborah K. W. Modrak 34. Ancient Medicine and its Contribution to the Philosophical Tradition 664 Pierre Pellegrin 35. Greek Mathematics to the Time of Euclid 686 Ian Mueller Index Locorum 719 General Index 756

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Book SynopsisThis broad-ranging Companion comprises original contributions from some of the best Platonic scholars in the world today and reflects the various ways in which they are dealing with Plato's legacy. The contributions are devoted to topics in Platonic philosophy, ranging from perception and knowledge to politics and cosmology.Trade Review"This compendium of 29 essays by leading scholars, on every aspect of Plato from his biography and literary style to his metaphysics and politics to his reception by later philosophical and religious traditions, is a welcome addition to the resources available to students of Plato. A number of essays distill cutting-edge research developed in greater detail in the authors’ monographs. The result is a book every student of Plato will want to consult." Rachana Kamtekar, University of Arizona "This is a valuable collection of essays from a distinguished cast of contributors. It should prove useful to a wide variety of readers." Chris Bobonich, Stanford University "This hefty volume differs from many anthologies on Plato in its comprehensiveness...The essays represent recent scholarship on Plato, with bibliographical references at the end of each essay to literature almost exclusively within the last 50 years...To a lover of Plato, another volume of essays on his thought is always welcome." Choice "A work avowedly for the philosopher and the student philosopher, but accessible too by other students, this will be a welcome addition in a wide range of libraries from undergraduate level upwards." Reference ReviewsTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors viii Preface xii Abbreviations xiv 1 The Life of Plato of Athens 1 DEBRA NAILS 2 Interpreting Plato 13 CHRISTOPHER ROWE 3 The Socratic Problem 25 WILLIAM J. PRIOR Part I PLATONIC METHOD AND THE DIALOGUE FORM 37 4 Form and the Platonic Dialogues 39 MARY MARGARET MCCABE 5 The Socratic Elenchus 55 CHARLES M. YOUNG 6 Platonic Definitions and Forms 70 R. M. DANCY 7 Plato’s Method of Dialectic 85 HUGH H. BENSON Part II PLATONIC EPISTEMOLOGY 101 8 Socratic Ignorance 103 GARETH B. MATTHEWS 9 Plato on Recollection 119 CHARLES KAHN 10 Plato: A Theory of Perception or a Nod to Sensation? 133 DEBORAH K. W. MODRAK 11 Knowledge and the Forms in Plato 146 MICHAEL FEREJOHN Part III PLATONIC METAPHYSICS 163 12 The Forms and the Sciences in Socrates and Plato 165 TERRY PENNER 13 Problems for Forms 184 MARY LOUISE GILL 14 The Role of Cosmology in Plato’s Philosophy 199 CYNTHIA FREELAND 15 Plato on Language 214 DAVID SEDLEY 16 Plato and Mathematics 228 MICHAEL J. WHITE 17 Platonic Religion 244 MARK L. MCPHERRAN Part IV PLATONIC PSYCHOLOGY 261 18 The Socratic Paradoxes 263 THOMAS C. BRICKHOUSE and NICHOLAS D. SMITH 19 The Platonic Soul 278 FRED D. MILLER, JR. 20 Plato on Eros and Friendship 294 C. D. C. REEVE 21 Plato on Pleasure as the Human Good 308 GERASIMOS SANTAS Part V PLATONIC ETHICS, POLITICS, AND AESTHETICS 323 22 The Unity of the Virtues 325 DANIEL DEVEREUX 23 Plato on Justice 341 DAVID KEYT 24 Plato’s Concept of Goodness 356 NICHOLAS WHITE 25 Plato on the Law 373 SUSAN SAUVÉ MEYER 26 Plato and the Arts 388 CHRISTOPHER JANAWAY Part VI PLATONIC LEGACY 401 27 Learning about Plato from Aristotle 403 CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS 28 Plato and Hellenistic Philosophy 418 A. A. LONG 29 Plato’s Influence on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy 434 SARA AHBEL-RAPPE Index 452

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Book SynopsisWritten by an outstanding international team of scholars, this Companion explores the profound influence of Socrates on the history of Western philosophy. * A survey exploring the profound influence of Socrates on the history of Western philosophy. * Discusses the life of Socrates and key philosophical doctrines associated with him.Trade Review"Everyone interested in Socrates and his legacy will find something valuable in this book..." Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "A remarkably rich and imaginative collection. Socrates was a philosopher who became a cultural icon; this book, with its massive historical range and its great variety of scholarly approach, does unique justice to his complexity." G.R.F. Ferrari, University of California, Berkeley "This is a stimulating collection that succeeds admirably in conveying the enormous range of responses that the ever puzzling Socrates has inspired through the ages, and continues to inspire. The essays on Plato's Socrates are fresh and vigorous, and the attention paid to later perspectives (from antiquity to the present, and especially recent centuries) helps make this volume a distinctive and unusually illuminating addition to Socratic studies. It should be a welcome companion to a figure who attracted devoted companions in his lifetime, and legions more ever since." Stephen White, University of Texas at Austin "Technical issues are treated thoroughly and comprehensibly and the state of knowledge on Socrates is comprehensively presented both for today and its historical contexts. Its subject matter will be of interest to non-specialists with a penchant for philosophy, or for the history of thoght, since there is as much of interest here about the influence of Socrates on later periods as there is on the thought of the philosopher himself." Reference ReviewsTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors x Preface xiv Acknowledgments xxiv PART ONE: SOCRATES IN ANTIQUITY Section I: Biography and Sources 1 The Trial and Death of Socrates 5 Debra Nails 2 Socrates and Euripides 21 Christian Wildberg 3 Socrates Among the Sophists 36 Paul Woodruff 4 Socrates the Freethinker 48 Richard Janko 5 How Does Socrates’ Divine Sign Communicate with Him? 63 A. A. Long 6 Socrates, Antisthenes, and the Cynics 75 Susan Prince 7 Xenophon’s Socrates 93 Louis-André Dorion 8 Picturing Socrates 110 Kenneth Lapatin Section II: Plato 9 Socrates in Plato’s Dialogues 159 Christopher Rowe 10 No One Errs Willingly: The Meaning of Socratic Intellectualism 171 Heda Segvic 11 Socratic Love 186 George Rudebusch 12 Socrates and Religious Experience 200 John Bussanich 13 The Politics of Plato’s Socrates 214 Rachana Kamtekar 14 The Examined Life 228 Richard Kraut 15 Socrates: Seeker or Preacher? 243 Roslyn Weiss 16 Socratic Method and Socratic Truth 254 Harold Tarrant Section III: Hellenistic Philosophy 17 Socrates in the Stoa 275 Eric Brown 18 Socrates and Epictetus 285 Tad Brennan 19 Socrates and Skepticism 299 Richard Bett PART TWO: SOCRATES AFTER ANTIQUITY Section IV: From the Medieval Period to Modernity 20 Socrates in Arabic Philosophy 317 Ilai Alon 21 Socrates in the Italian Renaissance 337 James Hankins 22 The Private Life of Socrates in Early Modern France 353 Daniel R. McLean 23 Socrates in Hegel and Others 368 Nicholas White Section V: The Modern Period 24 Kierkegaard’s Socratic Point of View 389 Paul Muench 25 Nietzsche and “The Problem of Socrates” 406 James I. Porter 26 The Socratic Hermeneutics of Heidegger and Gadamer 426 Francisco J. Gonzalez 27 The Socratic Method and Psychoanalysis 442 Jonathan Lear 28 Lacan and Socrates 463 Mark Buchan 29 From Grade School to Law School: Socrates’ Legacy in Education 476 Avi Mintz 30 Socrates’ Definitional Inquiries and the History of Philosophy 493 Hayden W. Ausland Index 511

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1967. Ludwig Edelstein characterizes the idea of progress in Greek and Roman times. He analyzes the ancients' belief in a tendency inherent in nature or in man to pass through a regular sequence of stages of development in past, present, and future, the latter stages beingwith perhaps occasional retardations or minor regressionssuperior to the earlier. Edelstein's contemporaries asserted that the Greeks and Romans were entirely ignorant of a belief in progress in this sense of the term. In arguing against this dominant thesis, Edelstein draws from the conclusions of scholars of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and discusses ideas of Auguste Comte and Wilhelm Dilthey.

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1961. Greek philosophers were concerned with the distinction between appearance and reality, and all the differences in their philosophic systems were ultimately predicated on their different views of this distinction. The history of Greek rationalism is, then, a study of the changing basis of Greek philosophy. George Boas provides a historical account of rationalism in classical philosophy. He focuses on four central topics: the distinction between appearance and reality, the method used to establish the distinction, the appraisal of life made by the philosophers studied, and their ethical theories.Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1. The BeginningsChapter 2. Rationalism in AthensChapter 3. The Rationalism of PlatoChapter 4. AristotleChapter 5. The First Break in the SystemChapter 6. Reason vs. ReasonChapter 7. The Acceptance of AuthorityChapter 8. The Evidence of RevelationChapter 9. The Fonal CapitulationIndex

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Book SynopsisLucid, insightful, and innovative, the essays in Roman Social Imaginaries constitute some of today's most original thinking about the power of language in the ancient world.Trade Review'This is a fascinating book - perceptive, effective, and reasoned... This is not only a singularly important contribution, but also a most welcome one.' -- Matt Gibbs Journal Mnemosyne vol 69:2016Table of ContentsIntroduction: Roman Social Imaginaries Chapter 1: Belonging Chapter 2: Cognition Chapter 3: The Ontology of the Social Conclusion: Making Romans

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Book SynopsisIn this thought-provoking text Danielle Allen eloquently argues that Plato wrote to change Athenian culture and thereby transform Athenian politics. She makes the case that Plato was not only the world's first systematic political philosopher, but also the western world's first think-tank activist and message man.Trade Review“Packed with controversial theses, engagingly and intelligently written, iconoclastic – there’s not much wrong with this book as a work of ancient philosophy.” (The Heythrop Journal, 4 September 2013) "In her bold and richly absorbing study, Why Plato Wrote, Danielle S. Allen argues that the answer to why Plato wrote is also the answer to the relation between the Platonic dialogues and Athenian political life ... He may have elected not to enter the political fray in Athens as ordinarily understood, but Danielle Allen shows with elegance and scholarship that he was indeed a politicos, just as Diogenes Laertius claimed." (Times Literary Supplement, 23 December 2011) "I have learned much from this book. It demands that we connect Plato's writing to real life in his city. Even those who do not share all its conclusions will be challenged by Allen's many original insights into how Plato used symbols to work on our intellect, our preconceptual beliefs, and our emotions." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 21 November 2011) "This extraordinary and scholarly book takes a fascinating new look at Plato as politikos. It is a joy to read. Excellent notes, bibliography, and index. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers." (Choice, 1 June 2011) Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Abbreviations xi Prologue: Why Think about Plato? 1 Part I: Why Plato Wrote 9 Chapter 1: Who Was Plato? 11 Chapter 2: The Importance of Symbols in Human Life 24 Chapter 3: The Philosopher as Model-Maker 38 Chapter 4: The Philosopher as Shadow-Maker 55 Chapter 5: What Plato Wrote 70 Chapter 6: How Plato Lived 79 Part II: What Plato Did 87 Chapter 7: The Case for Influence 89 Chapter 8: Culture War Emergent 108 Chapter 9: Culture War Concluded 122 Epilogue: And to My Colleagues 143 Appendix 1: The Relationship between Paradigms and Forms 148 Appendix 2: A Second Tri-partite Division of the Soul? 154 Appendix 3: Miso- Compounds in Greek Literature 158 Notes 161 References 206 Further Reading 215 Index 219

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Book SynopsisAncient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that developed in ancient Greece from 585 BC to 529 AD. Provides coverage of the Presocratics through the Hellenistic philosophers Moves beyond traditional textbooks that conclude with Aristotle A uniquely balanced organization of exposition, choice excerpts and commentary, informed by classroom feedback Contextual commentary traces the development of lines of thought through the period, ideal for students new to the discipline Can be used in conjunction with the online resources found at http://tomblackson.com/Ancient/toc.html Trade Review“Thomas Blackson’s Ancient Greek Philosophy is an introductory-level overview of philosophy from the Presocratic through the Hellenistic periods. It would serve as an ideal companion for a Survey of Ancient Philosophy course. B.’s prose is lucid and accessible, his interpretations of many of the texts are compelling and interlace nicely, and he provides informative footnotes and annotations. This is a very useful book.” (Classical Review, 2012) “Recommended. Lower-and upper-level undergraduates.” (Choice, 1 May 2012)Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgments. Text Acknowledgments. Introduction. Part I: The Presocratics. Timeline. 1. The Milesian Revolution. 1.1. The Milesians Turn to Nature. 1.2. Parmenides. 1.3. A Defense of the Inquiry into Nature. Further Reading for Part I. Part II: Socrates. Timeline. 2. The Good Life. 2.1. Definitions. 2.2. The Love of Wisdom. 2.3. Intellectualism. 3. Against the Sophists. 3.1. The Sophists Come to Athens. 3.2. The Sophist Sells Teachings for the Soul. 3.3. Rhetoric is Blind to the Good. Further Reading for Part II. Part III: Plato. 4. Three Platonic Theories. 4.1. The Theory of Recollection. 4.2. The Theory of Forms. 4.2. The Tripartite Theory of the Soul. 5. Justice and its Reward. 5.1. The Opening Conversation. 5.2. Justice. 5.3. The Just Life is Better . .. Further Reading for Part III. Part IV: Aristotle. 6. Second Philosophy. 6.1. Natural Bodies and their Specific Behaviors. 6.2. Natures are Forms. 6.3. Teleology in Nature. 7. Psychology. 7.1. The Soul is the Form of the Body. 7.2. Induction. 7.3. Becoming like the Unmovable First Mover. 8. First Philosophy. 8.1. The Science of Being. 8.2. Substances are Forms. 8.3. No Universal is a Substance. 9. Ethics.. 9.1. The Function Argument. 9.2. Theoretical Wisdom. 9.3. Practical Wisdom. Further Reading for Part IV. Part V: Hellenistic Philosophers. Timeline. 10. Reaction to the Classical Tradition. 10.1. Epicureanism. 10.2. Stoicism. 10.3. Skepticism. Further Reading for Part V. References. Index of Passages. General Index.

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Book SynopsisAncient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that developed in ancient Greece from 585 BC to 529 AD. Provides coverage of the Presocratics through the Hellenistic philosophers Moves beyond traditional textbooks that conclude with Aristotle A uniquely balanced organization of exposition, choice excerpts and commentary, informed by classroom feedback Contextual commentary traces the development of lines of thought through the period, ideal for students new to the discipline Can be used in conjunction with the online resources found at http://tomblackson.com/Ancient/toc.html Trade Review“Thomas Blackson’s Ancient Greek Philosophy is an introductory-level overview of philosophy from the Presocratic through the Hellenistic periods. It would serve as an ideal companion for a Survey of Ancient Philosophy course. B.’s prose is lucid and accessible, his interpretations of many of the texts are compelling and interlace nicely, and he provides informative footnotes and annotations. This is a very useful book.” (Classical Review, 2012) “Recommended. Lower-and upper-level undergraduates.” (Choice, 1 May 2012) "I should conclude by reiterating that I enjoyed and benefited from following Blackson's attempts to trace some continuities of interest and debate in the principal ancient philosophers." (Bmcreview, 12 October 2011) Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgments. Text Acknowledgments. Introduction. Part I: The Presocratics. Timeline. 1. The Milesian Revolution. 1.1. The Milesians Turn to Nature. 1.2. Parmenides. 1.3. A Defense of the Inquiry into Nature. Further Reading for Part I. Part II: Socrates. Timeline. 2. The Good Life. 2.1. Definitions. 2.2. The Love of Wisdom. 2.3. Intellectualism. 3. Against the Sophists. 3.1. The Sophists Come to Athens. 3.2. The Sophist Sells Teachings for the Soul. 3.3. Rhetoric is Blind to the Good. Further Reading for Part II. Part III: Plato. 4. Three Platonic Theories. 4.1. The Theory of Recollection. 4.2. The Theory of Forms. 4.2. The Tripartite Theory of the Soul. 5. Justice and its Reward. 5.1. The Opening Conversation. 5.2. Justice. 5.3. The Just Life is Better . .. Further Reading for Part III. Part IV: Aristotle. 6. Second Philosophy. 6.1. Natural Bodies and their Specific Behaviors. 6.2. Natures are Forms. 6.3. Teleology in Nature. 7. Psychology. 7.1. The Soul is the Form of the Body. 7.2. Induction. 7.3. Becoming like the Unmovable First Mover. 8. First Philosophy. 8.1. The Science of Being. 8.2. Substances are Forms. 8.3. No Universal is a Substance. 9. Ethics.. 9.1. The Function Argument. 9.2. Theoretical Wisdom. 9.3. Practical Wisdom. Further Reading for Part IV. Part V: Hellenistic Philosophers. Timeline. 10. Reaction to the Classical Tradition. 10.1. Epicureanism. 10.2. Stoicism. 10.3. Skepticism. Further Reading for Part V. References. Index of Passages. General Index.

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Book SynopsisThis study makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of the development of ancient Platonism and of the influence of Greek philosophy on Christian thought. The author examines a number of themes such as Eros, Virtue, and Knowledge in the writings of Plato himself, and shows that, in our interpretation of them, we must recognize certain latent contradictions; his successors, however, attempted, not always successfully, to form a synthesis of Platonic theory based on the genuinely Platonic motif of the attaining of likeness to God.The author skilfully demonstrates that Plato’s thought contained within itself unresolved, but philosophically fruitful divergences of opinion on the highest topics; the Good, the nature of love, the aim of the life of virtue. The author suggests that the unity of Plato’s thought consists only in certain general beliefs, such as that there are supra-sensible realities and that some aspect of the human soul is immortal. He pro

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Book SynopsisIn this provocative book, Pietro Pucci explores what he sees as Euripides's revolutionary literary art. While scholars have long pointed to subversive elements in Euripides's plays, Pucci goes a step further in identifying a Euripidean program of enlightened thought enacted through carefully wrought textual strategies. The driving force behind this program is Euripides's desire to subvert the traditional anthropomorphic view of the Greek godsa belief system that in his view strips human beings of their independence and ability to act wisely and justly. Instead of fatuous religious beliefs, Athenians need the wisdom and the strength to navigate the challenges and difficulties of life. Throughout his lifetime, Euripides found himself the target of intense criticism and ridicule. He was accused of promoting new ideas that were considered destructive. Like his contemporary, Socrates, he was considered a corrupting influence. No wonder, then, that Euripides had to carry out his reTrade Review"Like the revolutionary and resolutely demystifying Euripides he puts before the reader, Pietro Pucci has been a pioneer in bringing intertextual and deconstructive readings to the major Greek poets. And the Euripides depicted here, like his learned and humane critic, brings to bear an acute sensitivity to the artifice of language to produce a poetry that not only dispels illusions but also fortifies the reader." -- Andrew Ford, Ewing Professor of Greek Language and Literature, Princeton University"Reading these texts through Pietro Pucci's exacting and precise critical lens is an exhilarating experience that transforms our understanding of the nature of Euripides’s tragic theater." -- Phillip Mitsis, A. S. Onassis Professor, New York University

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Book SynopsisPhilosophy and rhetoric are both old enemies and old friends. In The Rhetorical Sense of Philosophy, Donald Phillip Verene sets out to shift our understanding of the relationship between philosophy and rhetoric from that of separation to one of close association. He outlines how ancient rhetors focused on the impact of language regardless of truth, ancient philosophers utilized language to test truth; and ultimately, this separation of right reasoning from rhetoric has remained intact throughout history. It is time, Verene argues, to reassess this ancient and misunderstood relationship. Verene traces his argument utilizing the writing of ancient and modern authors from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes and Kant; he also explores the quarrel between philosophy and poetry, as well as the nature of speculative philosophy. Verene''s argument culminates in a unique analysis of the frontispiece as a rhetorical device in the works of Hobbes, Vico, and Rousseau. Verene bridges the stuTrade ReviewVerene presents an extended original essay on one of the oldest of philosophical themes, the relationship between rhetoric and philosophy. With great subtlety and enormous erudition, the author challenges the "Platonic quarrel with the poets and the rhetoricians". * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Rhetorical Sense of Philosophy Part I: Prolegomena Philosophiae 1. Philosophical Thinking 2. Philosophy and the Muses 3. Philosophy and Eloquence 4. Philosophical Style Part II: Three Rhetorics 5. The Rhetoric of Self-Discourse 6. The Rhetoric of Absolute Thought 7. The Rhetoric of the Philosophical Frontispiece Epilogue

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Book SynopsisSocrates is one the most important thinkers in western philosophy, yet he remains enigmatic, having left behind no works of his own. Instead, his thought is understood primarily through the work of his followers, particularly Plato. Yet Plato's dialogues can offer conflicting portraits of Socrates. On the one hand, he is portrayed as “barren of wisdom”: he has questions but no answers. On the other, he appears to be “fertile”: he has important things to say about those questions. Can he be both? Although Plato’s works focus on Socrates' questions, not his answers, a careful reading can reveal many of Socrates’ likely views. In this accessible introduction, William Prior assesses Socrates the man, his famous trial, and the nature of his philosophy. He explores Socrates' intellectualism, conception of the good life, his religious views and his thoughts concerning justice. All the way through, Prior reflects on Socrates’ distinctive method of asking questions, and the enormous influence he has had on philosophy to this day.Trade Review“Prior’s Socrates is an outstanding introduction. Written with clarity and grace, it provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Socrates’ thought and legacy, guided by a judicious reading of Plato’s dialogues, and informed by a wide knowledge of the secondary literature.”Richard Kraut, Northwestern University “Is Socrates, recalcitrant hero of Western philosophy, always the ignorant and barren inquirer? Or rather a fertile voyager toward truth and wisdom? William Prior pursues these questions across the whole range of the philosophical terrain that Socrates explored. This authoritative and wonderfully lucid book offers an ideal general account, for beginner and more advanced reader alike, of this perennially intriguing figure, rewardingly rounded off with sketches of what later thinkers, notably Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche, made of him.”Malcolm Schofield, University of CambridgeTable of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Socrates: His Times and Trial 2 Socratic Method 3 Knowledge and Ignorance 4 Piety 5 Virtue 6 Happiness 7 The State 8 From Socrates to Plato 9 Socrates’ Legacy Notes References Recommended Reading Index

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Book SynopsisSocrates is one the most important thinkers in western philosophy, yet he remains enigmatic, having left behind no works of his own. Instead, his thought is understood primarily through the work of his followers, particularly Plato. Yet Plato's dialogues can offer conflicting portraits of Socrates. On the one hand, he is portrayed as “barren of wisdom”: he has questions but no answers. On the other, he appears to be “fertile”: he has important things to say about those questions. Can he be both? Although Plato’s works focus on Socrates' questions, not his answers, a careful reading can reveal many of Socrates’ likely views. In this accessible introduction, William Prior assesses Socrates the man, his famous trial, and the nature of his philosophy. He explores Socrates' intellectualism, conception of the good life, his religious views and his thoughts concerning justice. All the way through, Prior reflects on Socrates’ distinctive method of asking questions, and the enormous influence he has had on philosophy to this day.Trade Review“Prior’s Socrates is an outstanding introduction. Written with clarity and grace, it provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Socrates’ thought and legacy, guided by a judicious reading of Plato’s dialogues, and informed by a wide knowledge of the secondary literature.”Richard Kraut, Northwestern University “Is Socrates, recalcitrant hero of Western philosophy, always the ignorant and barren inquirer? Or rather a fertile voyager toward truth and wisdom? William Prior pursues these questions across the whole range of the philosophical terrain that Socrates explored. This authoritative and wonderfully lucid book offers an ideal general account, for beginner and more advanced reader alike, of this perennially intriguing figure, rewardingly rounded off with sketches of what later thinkers, notably Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche, made of him.”Malcolm Schofield, University of CambridgeTable of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Socrates: His Times and Trial 2 Socratic Method 3 Knowledge and Ignorance 4 Piety 5 Virtue 6 Happiness 7 The State 8 From Socrates to Plato 9 Socrates’ Legacy Notes References Recommended Reading Index

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Book SynopsisGreek Natural Philosophy presents the primary sources on the Presocratics in a straightforward way in order to tell a coherent story about the astonishing development of natural philosophy in ancient Greece and its relevance today.The book begins with historical influences on the birth of natural philosophy, especially literacy and the ecosystem services provided by the natural environment of ancient Greece. It argues that the individual philosophers’ thoughts about the nature of the cosmos, living things, humankind, and human culture were linked by a “diachronic dialectic of ideas.” Each philosopher’s speculations were subjected to a critique by the next generation who crafted more subtle theories.The dialectical transition is traced from the mythopoeic worldview of Hesiod to the rational worldview of Thales and his Milesian successors, followed by Xenophanes and Heraclitus, then Parmenides and his Eleatic successors, and the qualitative pluralisms of Anaxagoras and Empedocles. An entirely fresh interpretation is provided of the Atomists and later Pythagoreans, whose work culminated in the ideas upon which Galileo, Newton, and the other architects of modern science, continued to build. In the span of only two centuries, the Presocratics developed the basic principles of philosophy and natural science, ecology, mathematical astronomy, the atomic theory of matter, an inertial theory of motion, and the possibility that our solar system is only one of infinitely many scattered throughout infinite time and space.The concluding chapter traces natural philosophy through subsequent centuries until its abandonment in 20th century philosophy, leading to the moribund state of philosophy by the end of that century. The authors show how environmental philosophy represents a return to natural philosophy and a model for the revival of philosophy’s vigor and relevance in the 21st century.Greek Natural Philosophy is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in ancient Greek philosophy or in environmental philosophy, and will be of interest to scholars in these fields.Trade ReviewJ. Baird Callicott, the first philosopher to teach an environmental ethics course, has coauthored a book returning us to the first philosophers in the Western philosophical tradition, philosophers who were environmental philosophers first. ... The text is designed to introduce readers not only to the historical foundations underlying their disciplines but to challenge the presupposition from which most modern accounts begin: that humans are separate from the rest of nature. ... In a Masters level course on environmental philosophy, this should be the first text required. It provides not only the necessary historical background but the metaphysical foundations on which the inertia of Western philosophy depended - and depends. At the undergraduate level the text could also serve as one component in an undergraduate course on ancient philosophy." —Mark C.E. Peterson, Department of Arts and Humanities, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee CGS, excerpted from his book review in the Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture"As an introduction to the Presocratics, this is as good as it gets. The approach is scholarly and the text itself is lively, informal and very accessible: it might indeed be read with profit by anyone interested in the origins of western culture. The programmatic claims of the book, however, are nowhere near conclusive. That said, and in defiance of Stephen Hawking's claim that 'philosophy is dead,' the book as a whole is a great reference-point from which to re-ignite a debate about where the beating heart of philosophy is now to be found." —Alan Holland, Founding Editor of Environmental Values, Emeritus Professor, Lancaster University (UK), excerpted from a book review in Environmental Values"As a text for students new to the study of the pre-Socratics, chapters two to eight fit nicely into the space between scholarly texts for specialists with knowledge of Greek and the breezy, short introductory readings you would get in a general philosophy textbook. The authors are careful to frame the pre-Socratics as emerging from a mythopoeic worldview, and working toward a systematic, scientific understanding of nature. The authors use the device that they call the "Gotcha Principle" (p. 16) to illustrate the process of philosophical dialectic that drives a philosopher to critique and improve upon his forebears." —Aimée Koeplin, Professor of Philosophy, Mount St. Mary's University, excerpted from her book review in Environmental Ethics

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Book SynopsisA far-reaching reinterpretation of Plato’s Timaeus and its engagement with time, eternity, body, and soul that in its original French edition profoundly influenced Derrida The Tomb of the Artisan God provides a radical rereading of Timaeus, Plato’s metaphysical text on time, eternity, and the relationship between soul and body. First published in French in 1995, the original edition of Serge Margel’s book included an extensive introductory essay by Jacques Derrida, who drew on Margel’s insights in developing his own concepts of time, the promise, the world, and khōra. Now available in English with a new preface by Margel, this engagement with Platonic thought proceeds from two questions that span the history of philosophy: What is time? What is the body?Margel’s twinned interrogation centers around Plato’s concept of the demiurge (divine artisan or craftsman): its body, its anthropomorphic attributes, its productive capacities and regulatory functions in the ordering/organization/assembling of the world. He posits that this paradoxical figure is not merely a cosmological metaphor for the living body but also the site of its destruction, dissolution, and disappearance. Torn between the finite and the infinite, being and becoming, the concept of demiurge also poses metaphysical questions about time, time before time, and the end of time. The ontological status of the demiurge’s body, Margel argues, would become increasingly decisive in the history of philosophy, particularly in Christianity and the dogma of incarnation.Table of ContentsContentsPublisher’s NotePreface to the English EditionIntroductionPart I. The Cosmological Formation of Time1. The Demiurge’s PowerBirth of an OrganizationThe Soul of the World and the Concept of Time2. Chôra: The Genesis of the World as RepresentationThe Genetic Formation of the ElementsRepresentation and ConfigurationPart II: The Phenomenological Formation of Time3. The Genesis of Time and the Mimetic Functions of the SoulGenetic Time and Numerical TimeThe Birth of the Human Soul4. The Immortality of the Soul and Its FateThe Molecular Structure of the Living BodyDeath in the Soul of the Immortal Living Thing

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Book SynopsisAn account of Socrates' encounter with divine revelation The philosopher Socrates was guided in his investigations by nothing other than his own reason. But did Socrates address adequately the possibility of guidance from a different and higher source -- the possibility of divine revelation? In this book, Lewis Fallis examines Socrates' study of divine revelation. Giving interpretations of two of Plato's dialogues, the Euthyphro and the Ion -- which each depict Socrates conversing witha believer in revelation -- Fallis argues that in each dialogue Socrates explores the connection between knowledge of justice or nobility on the one hand and divine wisdom on the other. By doing so, Socrates searches for common ground between reason and revelation. Shedding new light on Socratic dialectics, Fallis uncovers the justification for understanding political philosophy to be the necessary starting point for an adequate inquiry into divine revelation. Lewis Fallis is an independent scholar of political theory.Trade ReviewAs the provocative title of Lewis Fallis's book suggests, he seeks to uncover what Plato may have to teach us here and now about the conflict between reason and revelation or between philosophy and faith. To this end, the book offers careful interpretations of two Platonic dialogues not usually considered in tandem, and it ably demonstrates that the concerns of Plato's Socrates do relate to our own. Among the many virtues of this fine study are the clarity of prose, the gravity of the question that remains front and center, and the impeccable scholarship on display. -- -- Robert C. Bartlett, Boston CollegeSocrates and Divine Revelation will take its place among the finest scholarly analyses of Plato and the most illuminating theoretical investigations of the problem of religion and political philosophy. The study will be of great interest not only to students and scholars of Plato, classical philosophy, and religion but to anyone interested in the timely and timeless question of reason and faith. -- -- Peter Ahrensdorf, Davidson CollegeTable of ContentsAcknowledgments The Contemporary Dismissal of Piety and the Platonic Alternative Euthyphro's Character Defining the Pious Artfulness and Mindlessness in Plato's "Ion" Ion's Knowledge Dialectics and Divinity Notes Works Cited Index

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Book SynopsisThis book is an account of Aristotle’s Metaphysics. The work is considered as a whole and each of its parts or books is taken up in the order that it has in the traditional text. The book is based on an examination of all of the manuscript readings reported in the three most recent editions of the work (those of Christ, Ross, and Jaeger), and it attempts in this way and others to come as close as possible to what would have been the original text. The Metaphysics is of course a much-studied work. What distinguishes this new effort to understand it is the working assumption that Aristotle presents in it his most comprehensive reflection on science: its character and aims, its foundations or presuppositions, and the obstacles or objections that constitute a challenge to its possibility. The book is thus intended to be of interest and use to at least two classes of readers: to those who have already reflected themselves on the nature of science and who have perhaps become dissatisfied with more recent attempts to establish it on a firm basis or to explain the basis on which it rests; and to beginning students who are willing to undertake a difficult task and who can be brought to see that science and philosophy were originally equivalent terms and that the effort to distinguish or separate them may have been deeply misguided. In other words, the book is meant to afford a glimpse into what philosophy originally meant.

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Book SynopsisOne of a pair of books selected from Stanley Rosen’s career as a philosopher, scholar, and teacher over the last half of a century. They represent both the vast range of his learning in the most important philosophers of the tradition and the daring and penetration of his exploration of the fundamental philosophical questions. Yet the essays are written with an accessibility that is an expression of Rosen’s thesis that our ordinary experience and speech provides the only stable ground for understanding and evaluating extraordinary thought and experiences. Rosen proposes that only a qualified Platonism in which the preservation of the link between the good and the rational on the everyday level was preserved on the philosophical level, can do justice to our experience of ourselves. The notions of form and intuition play a central role in his proposal to preserve the spontaneity of the soul and the heterogeneity of its objects. The essays were originally written for a variety of purposes: there are panoramic reviews of his philosophical intentions, intricate analyses of fundamental problems, challenging interpretations of classical texts, reviews of other authors, and informal commentaries on the state of philosophy in our time. Taken together these essays provide a key to the some of the most decisive questions in philosophy and a valuable explication of some the central themes of Rosen’s work. The essays were selected from articles, chapters, and unpublished lectures that were composed over the last five decades. They are distributed into two volumes by their focus upon ancient and modern themes, a convenient division that is not meant to imply a doctrinal chasm. On the contrary, it is one of Rosen’s arguments that those who wish to preserve ancient wisdom are best served by the demonstration of the both parties address the same essential human nature, however much the practical and theoretical demands differ from epoch to epoch.Table of Contents1. Chicago Days 2. Straussian Hermeneutics 3. Thales: The Beginning of Philosophy 4. Parmenides D3: Commentary on A. A. Long, “Parmenides on Thinking Being” 5. Socrates and Alcibiades 6. Philosophy and Poetry in Plato 7. Dynamis, Energeia and the Megarians 8. Review Essay: Chasing the Chimaera 9. Is Metaphysics Possible? 10. Socrates’ Dream 11. Return to the Origin: Reflections on Plato and Contemporary Philosophy 12. The Production of Ideas 13. Leo Strauss and the Quarrel Between the Ancient and the Moderns 14. An Introduction to the Philebus 15. Techne and the Origins of Modernity 16. Platonic Hermeneutics: On the Interpretation of A Platonic Dialogue

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Book SynopsisOne of a pair of books selected from Stanley Rosen’s career as a philosopher, scholar, and teacher over the last half of a century. They represent both the vast range of his learning in the most important philosophers of the tradition and the daring and penetration of his exploration of the fundamental philosophical questions. Yet the essays are written with an accessibility that is an expression of Rosen’s thesis that our ordinary experience and speech provides the only stable ground for understanding and evaluating extraordinary thought and experiences. Rosen proposes that only a qualified Platonism in which the preservation of the link between the good and the rational on the everyday level was preserved on the philosophical level, can do justice to our experience of ourselves. The notions of form and intuition play a central role in his proposal to preserve the spontaneity of the soul and the heterogeneity of its objects. The essays were originally written for a variety of purposes: there are panoramic reviews of his philosophical intentions, intricate analyses of fundamental problems, challenging interpretations of classical texts, reviews of other authors, and informal commentaries on the state of philosophy in our time. Taken together these essays provide a key to the some of the most decisive questions in philosophy and a valuable explication of some the central themes of Rosen’s work. The essays were selected from articles, chapters, and unpublished lectures that were composed over the last five decades. They are distributed into two volumes by their focus upon ancient and modern themes, a convenient division that is not meant to imply a doctrinal chasm. On the contrary, it is one of Rosen’s arguments that those who wish to preserve ancient wisdom are best served by the demonstration of the both parties address the same essential human nature, however much the practical and theoretical demands differ from epoch to epoch.Table of Contents1. Are We Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On? Against Reductionism 2. Kant’s Doctrine of Perception 3. Kant on Happiness 4. Is There a Transition from Consciousness to Self-Consciousness? 5. Review of Alexandre Kojève, Essai d’une histoire raisonnée de la philosophie paienne, Tome 1: Les Présocratiques 6. Negation and Dialectic 7. Is Thinking Spontaneous? 8. Contributions to “Contributions” 9. Freedom and Reason 10. Review of Steven Smith, Spinoza, Liberalism, and the Question of Jewish Identity 11. Paradigms of Philosophizing and the Future of Philosophy 12. Back to the Beginning: Comment on Catherine Zuckert, Postmodern Platos 13. The Absence of Structure 14. Review of Carl Page, Philosophical Historicism and the Betrayal of First Philosophy 15. Philosophy in an Age of Postmodernism 16. Being Unreasonable: Review of Richard Wolin, The Seduction of Unreason. The Intellectual Romance with Fascism From Nietzsche to Postmodernism 17. Postmodernism and the Possibility of Critical Thinking 18. Mind and Body in Nietzsche 19. Thoughts on the Universal Homogeneous State 20. The Identity of, and Difference between, Analytical and Continental Philosophy 21. Hegel and Historicism 22. Memory and Human Time 23. Human Temporality in Plato, Husserl, and Heidegger 24. Freedom and Spontaneity 25. Remarks on Amartya Sen

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Book SynopsisJames Rhodes’ Plato is a playwright. And a mystic. In his famous “Seventh Letter” Plato had stated that the essence of his thought couldn’t be put into writing and hence he hadn’t done so. This is the self-interpretation of a mystic, Rhodes concludes. But then, two eminent questions arise: Why, then, did Plato write at all? And, how have his writings—his dialogues—to be understood, that is to be read? Plato intended, Rhodes argues, to direct the souls of those who entered into his dialogues toward the Good, the sun of truth. As “truth” cannot be taught but only experienced (the mystic dimension), Plato makes the readers of his dialogues enter into the dramas—or “plays” (according to Rhodes)—that are formed by the dialogues in the mode of a most sophisticated philosophic artistry. You encounter one aporia after another, doubts heaped upon doubts, hypotheses searchingly tested. It’s a purifying experience to which you are submitted in following the play, and the hope is, as Rhodes formulates. “that our souls will bring forth beautiful things by the end of the process.” As befits a political philosopher, James Rhodes focuses his study on the question of political leadership. That is to say: true political leadership. The highly original response he provides is very practical. And at the same deeply congenial to the “mystical” art of Plato, the playwright. This book will be a landmark in the field of studies on Plato.

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Book SynopsisSocrates and the Gods is the first book-length treatment of the Apology and its two supporting dialogues: the Euthyphro and Crito. These works are closely read and analyzed in a way that both takes into account their historic-cultural context (Homer, Greek tragedy, and the Peloponnesian War) and recognizes how Socrates refuses to be determined by material or mimetic necessity. The carefully argued interpretations arrived at are not distorted or skewed by a priori assumptions held by most political or analytic philosophers; it is not assumed that Socrates is either a cynical atheist who despised and deceived the rabble or an unsophisticated crank with little to offer a post-humanist Philosopher of Mind. Socrates’ distinctive take on the gods is essential to understanding the meaning of Socrates’ life, death, and self-proclaimed divine mission. The Euthyphro shows how Socrates overturns Homeric religion in a way that subtly but definitively establishes the philosophical basis of Christian Revelation. Determined to allow the Apology of Socrates to speak for itself, Plato uses the persona of Euthyphro, who almost certainly did not exist, to represent Meletus and the problem of religious literalism in a godless age. Socrates’ reinterpretation of Homer is shown to overcome the pervasive Oedipal antagonisms of the Iliad and bequeath posterity a healthier view of the respective roles played by divine and human elements in the Cosmos. Only the Euthyphro prepares the reader to approach Plato’s Apology with an adequate understanding of the issues, philosophical and politico-theological, at stake. Decisively refuting the currently fashionable dogma of Socrates’ atheism, Socrates’ mission consists in confounding false or reified claims to divine knowledge that are used to deny the ability of the human person to practice virtue. Socrates simultaneously affirms revelation and denies the capacity of prophets to serve as exegetes of their own winged utterances. The Apology will be shown to recover the better part of Homer’s legacy: the resilient soul of Odysseus, Socrates’ preferred alter ego, and to firmly establish the soul’s essential capacities to practice moral virtue and engage in exegetical interaction with inspired texts. The Crito is a dramatic treatment of the problem of Socrates’ intellectual and spiritual legacy. Socrates is anxious to show Crito that the pursuit of philosophy does not end with his death but rather must be seen as a capacity present in every human soul. Socrates’ existential proof to Crito, his last human judge, of the soul’s power to judge and be ruled by criteria of good and evil rather than pleasure and pain or honor and shame – must be seen to co-exist with his firm belief that the gods will not allow a good man to be harmed, as opposed to be killed, by those worse than he. Subtly echoing Aeschylus’ Eumenides, the Crito founds a tradition of mutually entwined revelation and interpretation that is recognizable and retrievable in our day. Recovery of our Socratic origins is crucial to the West’s survival.

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Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1818, Percy Bysshe Shelley pulled himself away from a flurry of other projects to devote himself to translating Plato's Symposium. Besides being one of the very great lyric poets of Romanticism, Shelley was an accomplished Hellenist, and had a natural sympathy for Plato's way of seeing the world. The result of his labor was a translation of Plato's principal work on love that is, in both clarity and felicity of expression, unmatched by any contemporary translation. Much of what the dialogue offers to today's reader - namely, its invitation to see erotic experience as the privileged locus of our contact with the sacred and the divine - is lost in translation by failures of tone more than by inaccuracies or simple infelicities. The elevation and sophistication of Shelley's prose makes his translation a much better English vehicle for Plato's writing than the rather chatty and colloquial translations current today. Plato's speeches on love need an English idiom in which myth is at home, and in which humour rises to urbanity rather than descending to mere wit and joke. With Shelley, we get a translation of a great literary masterpiece by a writer who is himself a literary master, and his mastery is of exactly the type required by Plato's text. This translation came at the height of Shelley's powers, mirroring in language and conception some of his finest works, and so is itself a precious document in the history of Romanticism, for which the re-appropriation of Plato is second in importance only to the massive influence of Shakespeare. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, her husband's literary executor, upon publication of (a somewhat expurgated version of) the dialogue, boasted that "Shelley resembled Plato; both taking more delight in the abstract and the ideal than in the special and the tangible. This did not result from imitation; for it was not till Shelley resided in Italy that he made Plato his study. He then translated his Symposium and Ion; and the English language boasts of no more brilliant composition than Plato's Praise of Love translated by Shelley." If this goes too far, it goes at least in the right direction. David K. O'Connor, in his introduction and footnotes, provides the historical and philosophic framework to appreciate best the importance of the dialogue and translation.Table of Contentsintroduction, notes, Stephanus numbers, index

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Book SynopsisIn On Aristotle, Alan Ryan examines Plato’s most famous student and sharpest critic. Aristotle was the first thinker to posit that a society should be ruled by laws and not men. His strongly empirical cast of mind was brought to bear on a stunning range of subjects and the resulting system dominated European thought from the thirteenth to seventeenth centuries. Aristotle’s meticulous thinking on the nature of human affairs, ethics, politics, citizenship and virtue in a civil society remains as vital today as it was in his own time. Including key sections from Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, Aristotle’s only surviving works, with a new introduction by Alan Ryan and a chronology of the philosopher’s life and works, On Aristotle contextualises Aristotle’s views of government and the political community within the Ancient World.Trade Review"A compact and accessible introduction to Aristotle, whose thought, together with that of his teacher Plato, constitutes the bedrock of much of Western civilization... Ryan's erudite and engaging introduction is followed by substantial extracts from Aristotle's political works, making this text ideal for classroom use."

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Book SynopsisThe first collection of essays devoted to the Arabic philosopher Averroes's brilliant Commentary on Plato's "Republic," which survived the medieval period only in Hebrew and Latin translations. The first collection of essays devoted entirely to the medieval philosopher Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" includes a variety of contributors from across several disciplines and countries. The anthology aims to establish Averroes as a great philosopher in his own right, with special and unique insight into the world of Islam, as well as a valuable commentator on Plato. A major feature of the book is the first published English translation of Shlomo Pines's 1957 essay, written in Hebrew, on Averroes. The volume explores many aspects of Averroes's philosophy, including its teachings on poetry, philosophy, religion, law, and government. Other sections trace both the inspiration Averroes's work drew from past philosophers and the influence it had on future generations, especially in Jewish and Christian Europe. Scholars of medieval philosophy, ancient philosophy, Jewish studies, and the history of political thought more generally will find important insights in this volume. The anthology is also intended to provide the necessary background for teachers aiming to introduce Averroes's commentary into the classroom. With the Republic regularly appearing near the top of lists of the most frequently taught books in the history of philosophy, this volume shows how the most important medieval commentary on it deserves a place in the curriculum as well.Table of ContentsIntroduction Alexander Orwin Section 1: Averroes and His Teachers Imposing Alfarabi on Plato: Averroes's Novel Placement of the Platonic City Alexander Orwin Ibn Bajja: An Independent Reader of the Republic Josep Puig Montada Section 2: Poetry, Philosophy, and Logic Expelling Dialectics from the Ideal State: Making the World Safe for Philosophy in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Yehuda Halper Music, Poetry, and Politics in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Douglas Kries Section 3: Law, Religion, and Philosophy Averroes on Family and Property in the Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Catarina Belo Notes on Averroes's Political Teaching Shlomo Pines (trans. Alexander Orwin) The Shari?a of the Republic: Islamic Law and Philosophy in Averroes Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Rasoul Namazi An Indecisive Truth: Divine Law and Philosophy in the Decisive Treatise and Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Karen Taliaferro Section 4: Wisdom, Government, and the Character of the Political Community Averroes between Jihad and McWorld Michael Kochin The Essential Qualities of the Ruler in Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" Rosalie Helena de Souza Pereira Natural Perfection or Divine Fiat Joshua Parens Philosopher Kings and Counsellors: How Should Philosophers Participate in Politics? Alexander Orwin Section 5: Averroes's Reception in Europe Three Readings of Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic" in Medieval Jewish Thought Alexander Green The Two Hebrew-into-Latin Translations of Averroes's Commentary on Plato's "Republic": Method, Motivation, and Context Michael Engel Bibliography Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisProviding a challenging new interpretation of the Second Alcibiades from the Platonic corpus, this treatment sees the dialogue not only as a work of philosophic ethics, but also as one steeped in ancient literature, particularly Euripidean tragedy.

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Book SynopsisPlotinus (204-70) is the founder of Neoplatonism and its most significant thinker. He shaped late antique philosophy and significantly influenced the entire metaphysical tradition of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and German Idealism. In this volume, Jens Halfwassen presents Plotinus' life and work, as well as the most important aspects of his historical influence. Issues of key importance for the Neoplatonists—such as the interaction between Being and Thought, the ascent of the soul, and the interpretation of Plato's theory of principles—are explained in detail in the course of outlining the Neoplatonic metaphysical system. The introduction outlines Halfwassen's significant contribution to the study of Plotinus, paying particular attention to the differences between the current German and Anglophone approaches to the Platonic tradition.The introduction contextualizes Jens Halfwassen's research within the German tradition, and outlines differences and points of contact between the study of Platonism and Neoplatonism in the German- and English-speaking worlds. While the first part (Plotinus and Neoplatonism) is a translation of the standard German introduction to Neoplatonism, the four research articles in the appendix discuss some of the more advanced metaphysical questions addressed by Plotinus. (As an introduction, this volume presupposes little prior knowledge of Neoplatonism but takes the reader to a more advanced level than competing volumes.)

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Book SynopsisWhat exactly distinguishes the good life? Is it pleasure? Is it virtue? Is it wisdom? Or is it something else? Each of the ancient philosophers of Greece and Rome had an answer, because for them it was the most important question. "Stargazers" takes us into their lives, depicting their efforts to understand the nature of ultimate reality and to live a life in accord with that understanding. Thus transported, we discover also the source of many of our own ideas concerning the cosmos, God, humankind, and the flourishing life. "Stargazers" is an invitation to return to the beginning, extended cordially to all, but most especially to those who have yet to encounter Plato's "dear delight," philosophy. The quest begins and ends in wonder, and, along the way, reveals its power to transform both our perception of the world and our way of living in it.Trade ReviewI was profoundly impressed by this work. Stargazers will prove to be a wonderful source of inspiration for the youth of today and tomorrow. Eiichi Shimomisse, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, California State University Although the book will be of interest to those readers who especially want to learn more about the origins and tenets of philosophy, it will delight readers of any stripe for its lyrical verve and the author's obvious passion for his subject. History, as Herodotus practised it, is not always what happened so much as what would have been appropriate or poetically just; hence, if we subscribe to this ancient "cautionary tale" approach to biography, we can relish Paul Bjarnason's anecdotalizing about the ancient philosophers, regardless of whether such things as Thales' tumbling into an irrigation canal actually happened. Such humorous stories humanize Bjarnason's subjects, making them seem both timeless and contemporary. Philip V. Allingham, Adjunct Professor, Dept. of English, Lakehead University Reading this is an enjoyable experience. It will appeal to many people: the general public and students beginning their study of philosophy, among others. The interweaving of paraphrase, quotations, commentary and imaginative recreation gives the book a vitality that will, I believe, attract the reader to keep on reading. Dane R. Gordon, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, College of Liberal Arts RIT Provided a view which I could not have gained from reading the dry texts alone, and deepened my appreciation of their philosophical contribution. "Stargazers" will be appreciated by anyone who has enjoyed reading Mary Renault's 'The Last of the Wine'. Dr Geoffrey Klempner, Director of Studies, International Society for Philosophers I very much enjoyed reading this book. It is both an entertaining and enlightening introduction to the larger than life characters who helped bring philosophy out of myth in their quest for the good life and how to achieve it. Useful to those both new to, and versed in, the subject, Stargazers reminds us that philosophy, as a tradition that began with a concern for human happiness, is as relevant now as it was then. Andrew Sewell, International Baccalaureate philosophy teacher, Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific

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Book SynopsisBrings the actual situation in the dialogue - Athens and its intellectuals engaged in spirited debate - alive. Equally alive is the discussions of ideas, which are brought to bear on contemporary experience and made to prove the perennial validity of Socratic wisdom, and its power to excite the mind. The main thesis - that in poetry and in love man is "beside himself," that is, divinely inspired - is discussed with reference to modern poets, novelists, and modern psychology.Trade Review"Pieper's... book... is in every way beautiful: in format, in translation, in subject (Plato's Phaedrus), in its philisophical grace." - Christian Century; "Esscntial in philosophy sections of larger public, academic and special libraries." - Library Journal"

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Book SynopsisThis, the sequel to the same author's much-acclaimed 'Xanthippic Dialogues,' is a multi-faceted commentary on the post-modern condition, which takes the form of part-Hellenistic, part-Arabian fairy tale. Archeanassa of Colophon, subject of a poem attributed by Diogenes Laertius to Plato, has returned to her birthplace in search of the lost manuscripts of another ex-lover, the poet Antimachus. There, she encounters Perictione, Plato's niece, who loves alone in the ruined and brutalized city amid memories and dreams. Perictione tells the strange story of Merope of Sardis, the Nietzshean philosopher who both made and destroyed her life. Little by little Archeanassa comes to recognize that Perictiones story is also her own story, and that the mystery of Colophon is the mystery of modernity itself. Through dialogues, stories and fantasies, the narrative explores the aesthetic way of life, and the possibilities of meaning in an age of inverted commas.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first full-length study of the 'Symposium' to be published in English, and one of the first English works on Plato to take its bearings by the dramatic form of the Platonic dialogue, a thesis that was regarded as heterodox at the time but which today is widely accepted by scholars of the most diverse standpoint. Rosen was also one the first to study in detail the philisophical significance of the phenomenon of concrete human sexuality, as it is presented by Plato in the diverse characters of the main speakers in the dialogue. His analysis of the theoretical significance of pederasty in the dialogue was highly contreversial at the time, but is today accepted as central to Plato's dramatic phenomenology of human existence. Rosen discusses a variety of topics that had previously been neglected in the secondary literature, including the problem of hybristic nature of the philosopher, the poetical dimension of Plato's conception of philosophy, and the theoretical implication of the difference between Platonic writing and Socratic conversation.Trade Review"Rosen treats the 'Symposium' very much form the literary point of view. He has... perceptive observations to make on the dramatic elements in Plato's style, on his use of irony, and on his characterizations." - Times Literary Supplement "Recent years have seen a small but steady flow of major studies in the Platonic dialogues, marked by a marriage of scholarly thoroughness with genuine humanistic warmth. This volume is one such... A wealth of linguistic and cultural lore pertaining to ancient Greece... This book must be in every college library." - Choice "Rosen's book is strikingly different from most English writing on Plato. The volume is beautifully produced and contains an extensive and useful biography." - H. J. Easterling, Classical Review "This exciting book... contains much to reflect upon. The author possesses a good knowledge of ancient texts but does not hesitate to provide very instructive references to modern philosophy... One may say of this book what the author says of the Platonic dialogue as compared to a poem or a set of axioms: no description is equivilent to its content or its implications." - Remi Brague, Revue Philisophique de Louvain "Highly intelligant and... stimulating book." - Trevor J. Saunders, Journal of Hellenic Studies"Table of ContentsPreface, introduction, notes, bibliography, index

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