1st Edition

Hellenic Philosophy Origin and Character

By Christos C. Evangeliou Copyright 2006
    241 Pages
    by Routledge

    241 Pages
    by Routledge

    Tracing the historical origin and the critical development of Hellenic philosophy from vague and indeterminate beginnings to its classical maturity and fruition in the minds, words and works of the Athenian philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, this book argues that dignified nobility, respectful critique and unfettered freedom of thought and expression clearly defined the character of Classical Hellenic philosophy and that this distinguishes it from philosophies of different eras. Evangeliou examines the historical influence of Hellenic philosophy and its complex global relations to other non-Hellenic philosophies of Africa, Asia and Europe and also considers certain contemporary and sensitive issues, which relate to the nature of Western culture and European philosophy. Radical and revisionary in nature, this work challenges many of the long cherished myths about the influence of Classical Hellenic philosophy on the tradition of Western thought.

    Contents: Prologue; Introduction. Part 1 Origin and Maturity of Hellenic Philosophy: The origin of Hellenic philosophy; Plato and European philosophy; Aristotle and western rationality. Part 2 Critique and Character of Hellenic Philosophy: Aristotle's critique of Plato's polity; Pletho's critique of Aristotelian novelties; The character of Hellenic philosophy. Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Evangeliou, Christos C.