Description
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
