Synopses & Reviews
This fascinating anthology of classic philosophical readings provides clear translations of the most important Greek philosophers and some of their Roman followers, key influences on the development of Western civilization. This book begins with the fragmentary statements of the Pre-Socratics, moves through the all-embracing systems of Plato and Aristotle, and culminates in the practical advice of the Hellenistic writers. For anyone interested in owning a collection of clearly translated philosophical works.
Synopsis
For courses in Ancient Philosophy. Designed to be accessible to today's students, this anthology of readings in Ancient Western philosophy focuses on the writings of the most important Greek philosophers, along with selections from some of their Roman followers. Striking a balance between major and minor figures, it features the best available translations of texts--complete works or complete selections of works--which are both central to each philosopher's thought and are widely accepted as part of the "canon." The selections are readable and accessible, while still being faithful to the original. Introductions to each philosopher; an abundance of drawings, diagrams, photographs; and a timeline keep students focused throughout.
Synopsis
Forrest Baird's revisions of "Philosophic Classics," Prentice Hall's long-standing philosophy series, continue the tradition begun in 1961, to provide generations of students with anthologies of high quality in the history of Western philosophy. Using the complete works or, where appropriate, complete sections of works, this series allows philosophers to speak directly to students.
This series includes texts central to the thinker's own philosophy, using the best available translations. Introductions to each reading are divided into three sections:
- Biographical - Provides a glimpse into the life of the philosopher;
- Philosophical - Presents a resume of the philosopher's thought; and
- Bibliographical - Offers suggestions for further reading.
In addition, drawings, photographs, and time lines help put the readings into context. In short, every effort has been made to help the reader understand primary source materials.
"Philosophic Classics" is available in the following versions:
- Volume I: Ancient Philosophy Fourth Edition, c2003 (0-13-048556-X)
- Volume II: Medieval Philosophy, Fourth Edition, c2003 (0-13-048557-8)
- Volume III: Modern Philosophy, Fourth Edition, c2003 (0-13-048558-6)
- Volume IV: Nineteenth-Century Philosophy; Third Edition, c2003 (0-13-048550-0)
- Volume V: Twentieth-Century Philosophy Third Edition, c2003 (013-048563-2)
- From Plato to Derrida, Combined Edition, Fourth Edition, c2003 (0-13-048561-6)
Table of Contents
New selections in bold.
BEFORE SOCRATES
The Milesians.
Thales Anaximander Anaximenes
Three Solitary Figures
Pythagoras Xenophanes Heraclitus
The Monists
Parmenides Zeno of Elea
The Pluralists.
Empedocles Anaxagoras Democritus (and Leucippus)
Three Sophists.
Protagoras Gorgias Critias
Epilogue: Two Views of Athens
Pericles (as reported by Thucydides), Funeral Oration Thucydides, The Melian Conference
Epilogue: Aspasia
Aspasia
SOCRATES
PLATO
Euthyphro Apology Crito Phaedo Meno Symposium Republic (327a-328b; Book I, 336b-349b; 350d-354b; II, 357a-362c; 367e-376e; III, 412b-417b; IV, 427d-445e; V, complete: 449-480a; VI-VII, 502c-521b) Parmenides (127-135) Theaetetus (selections) Timaeus (27d-34b) Laws (selections)
ARISTOTLE
Categories (Chapters 1-5) On Interpretation (Chapters 1-9) Posterior Analytics (Books I, 1-2; II, 19)-new translation Physics (Book II complete) Metaphysics (Books I and XII complete) On the Soul (Books II, 1-3; III, 4-5) Nichomachean Ethics (Books I-II; III, 1-5; IV, 3; VI-VII; X, 6-9) Politics (Books I, 1-2; III, 6-9; IV, 11-12; VII, 3b-4, 9)
HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN PHILOSOPHY
Epicurus.
Letter to Herodotus Letter to Menoeceus Principal Doctrines
Lucretius.
On the Nature of Universe (Books II, 216-292; III, through 842)
The Early Stoa: Zeno of Citium and Cleanthes
Zeno of Citium (selections from Diogenes Laertius) Hymn to Zeus-new translation
Epictetus
Encheiridion (Manual)-new translation
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations (Book IV)
Pyrrho and Sextus Empiricus
Outlines of Pyrrhonism (Book I, 1-15)
Plotinus
Enneads (I, Tractate 6; V, Tractate 1, 1-12; V, Tractate 3, 12.9-end)-new translation