Ancient Mediterranean Philosophy: An Introduction

Front Cover
A&C Black, Dec 6, 2012 - Philosophy - 240 pages
Although the Greeks were responsible for the first systematic philosophy of which we have any record, they were not alone in the Mediterranean world and were happy to draw inspiration from other traditions; traditions that are now largely neglected by philosophers and scholars. This book tells the story of 'Greek Philosophy', paying due attention to its historical context and the contributions made by Egyptians, Hebrews, Persians and even barbarians from northern Europe. Stephen Clark provides a narrative history of the philosophical traditions that took shape over several centuries in the Mediterranean world and offers a comprehensive survey of this crucial period in the history of philosophy.

The book includes a thorough historical and philosophical overview of all the key thinkers, events and ideas that characterized the period and explores in detail central themes such as the contest of gods and giants, the contrast between the reality and appearance, and the idea of the philosopher. Ideal for undergraduate students, this concise and accessible book provides a comprehensive guide to a fascinating period in the history of philosophy.
 

Contents

Chapter 1 Beginnings
1
Chapter 2 Influence from outside
23
Chapter 3 Inspired thinkers
55
Chapter 4 Travellers and stayathomes
81
Chapter 5 Divine Plato
103
Chapter 6 The Aristotelian synthesis
125
Chapter 7 Living the philosophical life
143
Chapter 8 Ordinary and supernatural lives
157
Chapter 9 Late antiquity
185
Chapter 10 An end and a beginning
203
Notes
209
Recommended reading
217
Works Cited
221
Index
233
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2012)

Stephen Clark is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, UK. His many book publications include G.K. Chesterton: Thinking Backwards, Looking Forwards (2006), Biology and Christian Ethics (2000), The Political Animal (1999), God, Religion and Reality (1998), Understanding Faith (2009) and Philosophical Futures (2001).

Bibliographic information