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Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy is a volume of original articles on all aspects of ancient philosophy. The articles may be of substantial length, and include critical notices of major books. OSAP is now published twice yearly, in both hardback and paperback. In this volume, articles range from Heraclitus to Proclus, with several on each of Aristotle and Plato. Editor: David Sedley, Laurence Professor of Ancient Philosophy, University of Cambridge. "Standard reading among specialists in ancient philosophy."--Brad Inwood, Bryn Mawr Classical Review ... Read more

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The Cambridge Companion to Greek Political Thought offers a guide to understanding the central texts and problems in ancient Greek political thought, from Homer through the Stoics and Epicureans. Composed of essays specially commissioned for this volume and written by leading scholars of classics, political science, and philosophy, the Companion brings these texts to life by analyzing what they have to tell us about the problems of political life. Focusing on texts by Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Plato, and Aristotle, among others, they examine perennial issues, including rights and virtues, democracy and the rule of law, community formation and maintenance, and the ways in which theorizing of several genres can and cannot assist political practice. ... Read more

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"Hansen has assembled an anthology like no other, which will fascinate students of late antiquity, folklorists, and curiosity-seekers, and will offer new possibilities to teachers of ancient-culture surveys." -- Classical World

"... lively, entertaining, and unique anthology... This anthology is appropriate not only for graduate and undergraduate students in classics but for anyone interested in the transmission of folklore." -- Journal of American Folklore

"... higly readable English translations of a wide variety of Greek texts... a solid introduction to the general question of 'popular literature' in the ancient world." -- Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"... what one hopes for in an anthology... this volume can be used as a textbook yet is of benefit for the scholar, has clear, well-written, and well-formed introductions that avoid eccentricity while noting different viewpoints, and provides a representative selection of mostly complete works." -- The Petronian Society Newsletter

Readers in ancient Greece didn't curl up with only the weighty tomes of Homer, Plato, and Sophocles -- they also enjoyed light entertainment such as novels, short stories, fantasies, jokes, and fortune-telling handbooks. In fact, some of this literature was so successful that it remained in circulation into the Middle Ages. Most of these selections are little known except to scholars, but all will prove an unexpected delight to readers everywhere.

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This is a book about the religious life of the Greeks from archaic times to the fifth century AD, looked at in the context of a variety of different cities and periods. Simon Price examines local practices and concepts in the light of general Greek ideas, relating them to such issues as gender roles, political life, and the trial of Socrates. He lays emphasis on the reactions to Greek religions of ancient thinkers--Greek, Roman and Christian. The evidence drawn on is of all kinds: literary, inscriptional and archaeological. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice, concise introduction
First, this is not the comprehensive study of the subject that Burkert's work is.If you are looking for a comprehensive look at the subject, "Greek Religion" by Walter Burkert is the book to get.

However, this book offers an interesting set of topical studies which have added to my understanding of the topic.Price's viewpoint is quite useful in addition to any other books on the topic.

Material in the book includes an introduction to myths and festivals and to our source material in this area, a discussion of social control and Greek religion, gender roles in Greek religion and how this differed in Roman religion, and a look at how Greek religion was perceived by other groups (Romans, Christians, Jews, etc).Each of these studies adds to the field and is not a mere rehash of what I have read elsewhere.

I would recommend this book along with "Greek Religion" by Walter Burkert and "From Religion to Philosophy" by F. M. Cornford. ... Read more

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Method in Ancient Philosophy brings together fifteen new, specially written essays by leading scholars on a broad subject of central importance. The ancient Greeks recognized that different forms of human activity are guided by different methods of reasoning; examination of how they reasoned, and how they thought about their own reasoning, helps us to see how they came to hold the views they did, and how our own methods of enquiry have developed under their influence. Contributors include Terence Irwin, Patricia Curd, Ian Mueller, Robert Bolton, A.A. Long, Gail Fine, Constance C. Meinwald, Lesley Brown, Gisela Striker, C.D.C. Reeve, Charlotte Witt, Richard Kraut, Sarah Broadie, James Allen, and G.E.R. Lloyd. ... Read more

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The word "athletics" is derived from the Greek verb "to struggle or to suffer for a prize." As Nigel Spivey reveals in this engaging account of the Olympics in ancient Greece, "suffer" is putting it mildly. Indeed, the Olympics were not so much a graceful display of Greek beauty as a war fought by other means.
Nigel Spivey paints a portrait of the Greek Olympics as they really were--fierce contests between bitter rivals, in which victors won kudos and rewards, and losers faced scorn and even assault. Victory was almost worth dying for, the author notes, and a number of athletes did just that. Many more resorted to cheating and bribery. Contested always bitterly and often bloodily, the ancient Olympics were not an idealistic celebration of unity, but a clash of military powers in an arena not far removed from the battlefield. The author explores what the events were, the rules for competitors, training and diet, the pervasiveness of cheating and bribery, the prizes on offer, the exclusion of "barbarians," and protocols on pederasty. He also peels back the mythology surrounding the games today and investigates where our current conception of the Olympics has come from and how the Greek notions of beauty and competitiveness have influenced our modern culture.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Excellence in Research
I cannot praise enough the excellence of Nigel Spivey's research and presentation involved with the ancient Olympics.

The craftsmanship of his narrative is first-rate and there is a refreshing candor and lack of romanticizing regarding this event and the times surrounding it.

Mr. Spivey may be remembered from his presenting of "The Queens and Kings Of England" on the Biography Channel.He is a charming host on this particular documentary and one can see his sincere interest in putting forth well done research in a way to include the viewer outside the convention of a professor ponticificating to his classroom.

A perfectly wonderful book by a perfectly wonderful writer!

Thomas Lee

Thank God They're Going to England, Not New York!
The anicent Greeks at Adelphia considered the original Olympics a 'civilized mode of war without the shooting.'The aim was winning at any cost (like American politics today), as the losers were called and looked down on as failures in disgrace.He dwells on boy athletes and shows a marble statue of the naked David minus one arm and a hand.

Why did the early Greek athletes compete naked?Did it have something to do with sex or did they have perfect bodies?Why did the Romans change the games in Olympia and make it more civilized?There the Greeks raised their sporting prowess to heroic status.

The historian, Bettany Hughes, wrote that this book shows "a number of hand-picked historical characters (which) bring us face to face with ... the ruthless business of winning the games."Nigel Spivey includes a photo of the naked wrestlers in marble.This is an erotic book.The poster for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics shows a naked combatant.

There is a drawing of the Olympic Zeus in the original Parthenon, a huge six-story-tall fixture similar to the modern Athena statuary in the Nashville, Tennessee, Parthenon.He has written many books among which are PANORAMA OF THE CLASSICAL WORLD and UNDERSTANDING GREEK SCULPTURE. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Socrates and Nietzsche meet in a bar . . .
Laurence Lampert has written a remarkable book.It appears to be the first volume of a "Nietzschean" history of philosophy.It is an engaging read as he links dramatically these three dialogues to explain Socrates' political-philosophic project.He brings these three dialogues alive as few have the capability to do in print.

It appears that this book will be controversial by the nature of his interpretation.I personally am not competent to judge because of the level of scholarship needed to do justice to the work.I do note that the comments made about Catherine Zuckert's book are somewhat unfair because she attempts to tackle all the Platonic dialogues based upon their dramatic settings; whereas, Laurence Lampert focuses on the first three.

Since I am not competent to judge the work, let me tell you a story that I think sums it up.

Socrates and Nietzsche walk into a bar.They have never met before.They both go to the counter and order a drink, something intoxicating.They are both sitting side by side.After each has been served and they begin to drink quietly, they each pull out the same copy of Plato's dialogues in the original Greek.Surprised, they begin a far ranging conversation about the dialogues.

One wonders whether Socrates and Nietzsche recognize one another as like through their conversation of the diaes.Or does Socrates see the need to teach Nietzsche as he did Critias and Charmides so many years ago.

Oh, by the way, sitting in the corner of the bar at a separate table is Plato in disguise.His teacher and his student cannot recognize him.He sits silently listening to the conversation and keeps his opinion to himself.

My review is based on how exciting and thought provoking I found the text.

... Read more

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Ancient Greek Lyrics collects Willis Barnstone's elegant translations of Greek lyric poetry -- including the most complete Sappho in English, newly translated. This volume includes a representative sampling of all the significant poets, from Archilochos, in the 7th century BCE, through Pindar and the other great singers of the classical age, down to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. William E. McCulloh's introduction illuminates the forms and development of the Greek lyric while Barnstone provides a brief biographical and literary sketch for each poet and adds a substantial introduction to Sappho -- revised for this edition -- complete with notes and sources. A glossary and updated bibliography are included.

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Christianity began as a little-known Jewish sect, but rose within 300 years to dominate the civilized world. It owed its rise in part to inspired moral leadership, but also to its success in assimilating, criticizing and developing the philosophies of the day. This book, which is written for nonspecialist readers, provides a concise conspectus of the emergence of philosophy among the Greeks, an account of its continuance in early Christian times, and its influence on early Christian thought, especially in formulating the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. ... Read more

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An anthology devoted to the intellectual developments that led up to the philosophy of Plato. ... Read more

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Can philosophy enable us to lead better lives through a systematic understanding of our human nature? John Cottingham's thought-provoking study examines three major philosophical approaches to this problem. Starting with the attempts of Classical philosophers to cope with the recalcitrant forces of the passions, he moves on to examine the moral psychology of Descartes, and concludes by analyzing the insights of modern psychoanalytic theory into the human predicament. His study provides a fresh and challenging perspective on moral philosophy and psychology for students and specialists alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

How To Live The Good Life.
Four theories for acquiring and living the good life include the active lifestyle where life is to be lived, not just thought about.Great heroes don't think of themselves as heroies; "it was my job" -- saving others, utterly selfless.There is a pleasure of accomplishing something but sometimes actions may be misperceived.There's a long overdue justice coming your way today -- perhaps someone who wronged you will get their comeuppance, or perhaps all your honesty will finally be valued. You have satisfaction and great joy because you are dealing with real life, real people, real music of the soul.The active life is that of the survivor.If you have been overactive, apologies may be in order. Not only are people more receptive to what you have to say, but that any headway you make actually leads to enduring improvements.Get out there and do it; happiness will occur when one is flourishing.The esteem in which oneholds oneself, as perceived by others who have pride you are one of them.If you find that something you thought you really wanted no longer seems to desirable, this is the day to admit that to yourself and let the old dream go.

Contemplative is an unexamined life some would feel is not worth living. Your empathy skills are strong and will be key in helping you connect with the people around you. Ideas are as intoxicating as first love.Specify the sort of life you wish you were living somewhere down the road.Love God himself.You often think "if I were as good as that person;" some people think they are Jesus and get all emotional with delusions of grandeur.There is such a thing as programming wherby life's experiences and cultural resources aid in becoming comtemplative.You want to be magnificant, but you wonder "what is this music all about?"Some dream of doing things which they haven't yet experienced.

Sometimes fatalistic is thinking that your future is already known and uninterrupted, that you are going to lose no matter what and things won't work out anyway.You feel that your time on earth is transitory, just for the moment and have to be given back.The inevitabilities guide you through the perils and sadness; you forfeit the good life as your desires can never be acquired and you are not responsible for the outcome.You reject sentimentality.You feel like there is an irrelevance and put on God-like behavior.It is resignation that your search for happiness is not fated and you are unable to obtain it.Your nervous system defeats aims and ambitions due to problems of stress.

Hedonist people have unrequited desires, wanting what you cannot have.You live in a state of security which lessens anxiety and have some peace that you are helping others.Be realistic because most of us can't reach the level of saints who are continually working for others to justify one's existence.Hedonism is pleasing themselves at the expense of others and up to no actual good.You have pain along with the well-earned pleasure.You're not morally at fault for not living in poverty by being sacrificial and saying "I am not a saint."These individuals want to be praised and adored for their good works.

Using philosophy to show the way people do and can live makes things understandable and easier to handle.It is best to live the good life and bloom in the place God has placed you.We are here for a purpose but finding it takes time and effort.Hiding behind closed doors never accomplished anything.There will always be the poor who don't know how to get on; thus, we are burdened by the homeless and less fortunate.That is life.Jesus' misson on earth was to care for the poor.We are not etheral, and must do what we can and let that be enough.Due to circumstances and background, they were not able to become educated or trained vocationally.They will always be among us to show compassion for and to look down on, but trying to do too much will backfire.They must learn to fend for themselves to the best of their abilities.

Review of philosophy's struggle with "what is the good life"
This book is a wonderful resource for someone interested in philosophical discourse about the good life, and more specifically about how the tension between reason and passion enters into that discourse. Cottingham also sets out a way to integrate psychoanalytic thought into the philosophical discourse about the good life. But I wish Cottingham had provided more insight into what the good life is once one accepts the psychoanalytic "working through" he prescribes.

In "Philosophy and The Good Life" John Cottingham starts with the question: "can philosophy enable us to lead better lives?" In the first section of the book, he chronicles why this challenge to "provide an authentic blueprint for human flourishing", seemingly the most basic of philosophical endeavors, had mostly been ignored in recent philosophical discourse. What an encouraging way for a senior professor of philosophy to start.

In the second section of the book, Cottingham details how classical philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and Epicureans defined the good life as "inextricably intertwined" with rationality. But, Cottingham argues, these thinkers did not adequately address the fact that emotions could obscure the tools of reason or acknowledge the essential role that emotions play in "making us human."

In the third section, Cottingham examines the moral psychology of Descartes, on whom Cottingham has written extensively. First, he notes that Descartes rejected the dominant Aristotelian notion of an ends or teleological based morality, and that instead Descartes argues "we are in the important respects on our own." Next, Cottingham details how Descartes, along with Hume and Kant, became increasingly focused on the anthropology of morality. From this study Descartes came to view the passions as an integral part of the human experience. "Life's greatest pleasures are reserved for "those whom the passions can move most deeply"." To Aristotle's concept of habituation Descartes thus adds the eerily modern notion of a "therapy" for the passions.

The last section of the book brings us fully to modern times. Cottingham addresses modern concerns about the superiority of rationality in ethical discourse, highlighted for example by existentialist philosophers such as Heidegger. To address these concerns Cottingham takes psychoanalysis as a starting point. With psychoanalysis Cottingham wants to find a way to incorporate the tools of reason even if the human psyche does not follow the rules of deliberative rationality assumed by Aristotle, Kant and Bentham in their ethical analysis. He looks to the psychoanalytic process of "recovery and rehabilitation" to better "know thyself." These tools, Cottingham argues, provide a superior way to understand the relationship between reason and passion, and so are necessary elements in following the path to the good life. But, as I said above, this feels to me as if we are left by Cottingham at just the start of the process of discovering the good life.

Not for beginners!
This book provides a general overview of three major philosophical systems and how they relate to what is referred to as the "good life". However, it does not try to give advice on how we should live the goodlife, it is trying to explain how philosophy has developed over time inrelation to its goal of helping humans lead fulfilling lives. Specifically,Cottingham contrasts the ratiocentric systems of the early Greeks, themoral philosophy of Descartes, and modern psychoanalytic theory in anattempt to show how philosophy has progressed in helping us lead the goodlife.

As a philosophical neophyte, this book was a bit too academic forme, assuming a basic knowledge of the key names in philosophy (Jung, Kant,Descartes) and their systems. Fortunately, however, Cottingham revistsearlier conclusions in later chapters, allowing the reader to better graspthe differences between the philosophical systems under review.

Overall,this book is not recommended for those just starting to investigatephilosophy, but for those with a basic understanding of the subject mayfind this book a good overview of philosophy in relation to its goal ofhelping us achieve a complete life. For me, it was like starting a race inthe middle, not knowing where the course had started or where it was going.But this book is interesting enough to encourage me to go back to thestarting line to begin a more serious study of philosophy. ... Read more

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A view into the sophisticated and highly advanced civilization that preceded the world of the pharaohs

• Presents historical evidence of the civilization ruled by the “gods” that the Egyptians claimed preceded their own

• Explains who these prehistoric people were, what happened to them, and why they built a series of pyramids along the west bank of the Nile River

Traditional Egyptologists have long resisted the notion that the architectural achievements of the Ancient Egyptians required the existence of a much more sophisticated technology than would have existed at that time. Yet, no records exist explaining how, why, or who built Egypt’s megalithic monuments and statues. The ancient Egyptians did, however, record that their civilization resided in the shadow of a kingdom of “gods” whose reign ended many thousands of years before their first dynasty. What was this Civilization X that antiquity’s most accomplished people revered as gods?

The recent discovery of a large stone at one of Egypt’s oldest ruins presents physical evidence that clearly and distinctly shows the markings of a machining process far beyond the capabilities of the Ancient Egyptians. Likewise, experimental modeling of the Great Pyramid’s subterranean chambers and passageways gives scientific evidence to further support the theory that the civilization responsible for such magnificent monuments is much older than presently believed. Ancient Egypt 39,000 BCE examines this evidence from historical and technical points of view, explaining who these prehistoric people were, what happened to them, why they built their civilization out of granite, and why they built a series of pyramids along the west bank of the Nile River.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Ancient Need Not Be Supernatural
This book is a very welcome look at ancient Egypt.Some of what Malkowski investigates is great:he exposes archaeological problems, strange artifacts, new evidence and enigmas, shines the light on weak or contradictory evidence and theories.All well and good and necessary.I love open-minded investigations and science can only benefit from removing blinders and digging deeper.This book is in the inquisitive nature of Von Daniken, to always question and remain open to the new.

However, Malkowski also suffers a bit from the same "wild speculations" disorder that many of the members of "fringe" historians/scientists do.He can't seem to relax into the proposal that, yes, quite probably Egyptian civilization or its precursors are far older and more advanced than we give them credit for being.He almost crosses that Sitchen-line from inquisitiveness into well maybe it was ancient gods or extraterrestrials who did it?Not necessary.He goes up and maybe peeks over, but should stay well on this side of the fence.My fear is that this book is misunderstood and lumped in with the kooky trash rather than being read on its own merits.But basically, Malkowski does a great service and should be commented for it.

Ancient Egypt 39,000 BCE is a fact-filled, fascinating read that raises many important questions.

Interesting Title!!
Malkowski's contention is that the traditional Egyptologists ignore idea that the existence of a much more advanced technology built the monuments and statues of ancient Egypt. He mentions that a kingdom of "gods" built a civilization that ended many years before this building. Hmmm!

This is a title that should bring you into shallow thought. While his notions are welcome, the belief in them needs more convincing. I don't buy it all at this time... ... Read more

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We are still working on filling in the product descriptions. If you need more information please call or email us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Snappy Introduction!
Dr. Peter Kreeft has done it again.This book is yummy!If you are not a philosopher, you will get so much from this book.If you are--have fun with it.I have a great many of Dr. Kreeft's books in which Socrates plays a principle part, and because I love logic, I find each book informative and entertaining.I recommend Dr. Kreeft's work.It is readable, easy to understand, and very informative.

Great philosophy book and perfect for a christian teaching
This book combines philosophy and christianity perfectly.I higly reccommend it as a teaching tool or enjoyment reading.

Excellent philosophy primer and intro to Socrates!
Kreeft's book is an excellent philosophy primer that anyone can enjoy, easily read, and benefit from.As a huge fan of Socrates, I was enthralled with the use of Plato's "Apology", the "Euthyphro", and the "Phaedo" as a teaching tools that will captivate your imagination and search your soul.You can really feel Socrates probing you, making you ask questions of and about yourself, profound questions, that everyone needs to confront and be confronted by.Everyone should apply the Socratic Method to their own life...it will change it forever!

This book is an easy read and you should purchase a copy, take it with you everywhere, and read every chance you get.When you finish, READ IT AGAIN!!!Let Socrates teach you that what you think you know, you really don't know.The unexamined life is truly not worth living.Let Socrates examine you and then you too will live life more fully...by asking good questions about everything.Take nothing for granted or on surface value; probe, probe, probe!

This book would be a great tool for informal chats re philosophy, psychology, religion, or even just for fun.I highly recommend it...no matter your chosen faith or the lack thereof.But get ready to be challenged!

Yes, Buy It and Read It Passionately
Peter Kreeft transmits his passion for wisdom, for philosophy, in this small book by focusing on the personification of philosophy: Socrates. Kreeft shows us how the pursuit of wisdom will lead to respectful confrontation with those who do not know but think they know. The Socratic method of respectful cross-examination is at the core of exposing the fallacies of those, as someone once said, who are always certain but seldom right. Kreeft also presents the parallels between Socrates and Jesus. You will enjoy and be inspired by this celebration of the passionate pursuit of philosophy.

Socrates from a Christian prospective
Peter Kreeft introduces Philosophy by introducing us to the father of philosophy, Socrates. He uses the Apology of Socrates to give 40 descriptions of philosophy. He shows the paradox of philosophy with such terms as foolish, simplistic and conformist. Throughout the book, Kreeft's Christian perspective comes through with comparisons of Socrates and Christ, which I think give the book a unique niche but I sure will offend some. ... Read more

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This revised edition of "Hellenistic Philosophy" offers an English translation of the account of Stoic ethics by Anus Didysmus, new sources on Epicureanism, Stocism, and Scepticism, expanded representation of Plutarch and Cicero, and a fuller presentation of papyrological evidence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Review of Hackett's 'Hellenistic Philosophy'
I rarely review a work I didn't finish reading, but I couldn't justify following this one to the end. As another viewer mentioned, the organization of this work is very unhelpful. At times, passages seemed to be ordered according to theme, and at other times according to doxographical author. This makes it incredibly difficult for the reader to see lasting themes in each school's thought.

I'm now turning to A. A. Long, as well as Hackett's 'Stoics Reader' (also by Inwood of 'Hellenistic Philosophy'), both of which seem to have a clearer organization.

Great material, odd cuts, disorganized presentation
I just finished using this text in a graduate course on ancient skepticism. I have to say I was not particularly enamored of the organization of the material. I found the breakdown into subject matter less helpful than a breakdown by source would have been.

That said, the translations are good, read well, and communicate meanings effectively. The sweep of the material is impressive. Some of the cuts and emendations are rather odd, though, particularly in the Sextian Modes. In comparison to Annas and Barnes' translation ("Outlines of Scepticism"), which preserves the complete text, "HP" was lacking.

This book does not offer much in the way of analysis or historical context, either. If you're studying Sextus, go with either of Annas' books (her other is "Modes of Scepticism") as an intro text. If you want a truncated reader in the area, this book will do.

great value, useful selections
classic selections that provide the best remnants of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism that has been expanded to include representation of Plutarch and Cicero and some recent papyrological evidence. The collection is especially strong in ethical reasoning. ... Read more

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The work of Aristotle (384-322 BC) is considered to be one of the great achievements of the ancient world, and is a foundation of both Western and Middle Eastern philosophy and science. Although Aristotle left significant material on almost all branches of learning, what has survived is a somewhat disorganized collection of notes and lectures. Moreover, the centuries of interpretation across various epochs and cultures tend to cloud our understanding of him. Thomas Kiefer breaks through this cloud of interpretation and provides an organized account of one key part of Aristotle's philosophy, namely his theory of knowledge. This theory concerns what is knowledge, what we can know, and how we can do so. Kiefer's book is the first work that takes this theory as its sole focus and reconstructs it systematically. Kiefer's work throughout provides many new interpretations of key parts of Aristotle's philosophy, including an unnoticed -but crucial- distinction between knowledge in general and knowledge for us, the differences between his semantic and psychological requirements for knowledge, and 'nous', which is perhaps the most obscure notion in Aristotle's work. He also concludes with a summary of Aristotle's theory in the terms and style of contemporary epistemology. Kiefer's work should be of interest to anyone involved in the history of philosophy or contemporary epistemology. ... Read more