Ancient Mediterranean Philosophy: An IntroductionAlthough 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
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 |
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according acknowledged agree ancient animals argument Aristotle attempt beginning believe better body called Cambridge century Christian cities claim Classical common consider created distinct divine earlier earth effect Egypt Egyptian Empire Ennead especially everything evil example exist expect experience follow friends give gods Greek happened heaven Hebrews hope human idea identified images imagined immortal individual Italy justice kind king later laws least live London matter means Mediterranean merely mind moral nature never notion ofthe once original ourselves Oxford particular perhaps Persian person philosophers Phoenician Plato Plotinus Politics possible practice reason remember Roman rule seems sense slaves Socrates sometimes sort soul spirit stars Stoics story suggested suppose theory things thought tradition true truth University Press whole writings Zeus