Ancient Greek Philosophy : From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers.

Blackson (Arizona State Univ.) offers an innovative guide to ancient philosophy. Rather than providing a detailed account of each philosopher, he concentrates on central themes concerning the rational governance of opinion and action and traces their development. The focus is heavily on Socrates, especially his encounters with the Sophists, as detailed in Plato's Protagoras and Gorgias. This narrative approach represents a choice to emphasize unifying themes at the expense of ignoring the colorful diversity of figures and doctrines. The result is a clear, helpful narrative, but one that sometimes surprises by what is left out. There is, for example, no specific treatment of Heraclitus; Presocratics, Stoics, and academic Skeptics are treated generally as groups, with scant attention to differences among particular philosophers. However, Blackson's exposition and analysis of ideas and their development is solid and insightful. Generous footnotes fill in some missing detail about particular philosophers. Extensive endnotes engage readers in discussion of alternative narratives and interpretations and point to further discussion. Supplemented by primary source readings, this volume could serve as the foundation for an introductory course in ancient philosophy. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates. D. C. Kolb St. Meinrad Archabbey Library