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The Greek Philosophers: from Thales to Aristotle
Surveys the great age of Greek philosophy from Thales to Aristotle. Explains the ideas of Plato and Aristotle in the light of their predecessors rather than their successors, and looks at the main strands of thought in Greek philosophy.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 1960
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About the author
W.K.C. Guthrie
72 books51 followersWilliam Keith Chambers Guthrie was a Scottish classical scholar, best known for his History of Greek Philosophy, published in six volumes between 1962 and his death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 20, 2020
I have to find out more about the Pythagoreans. I like this book, I found I understood about 50% of it, which is good for me and books on Philosophy.
December 7, 2015
This was a great read! Prior to reading this, I was not much for philosophical thought; however, this book really gives you an in-depth understanding of 3rd and 4th century B.C. philosophers and their philosophical arguments.
One thing I discovered was that most of the popular philosophers of this time period drew thoughts from their predecessors. So, for example, Plato drew inspiration from Socrates, and Aristotle expanded upon Plato's philosophies. This mirrors Einstein's philosophy which he drew from Immanuel Kant and others.
This was a great book on the origins of Greek philosophy and the semantics of Greek philosophical terms. You'll explore the deeper meaning of "Arete, Kosmos, taxis, dynamis, anthropine, ergon, and others. I highly recommend this book
One thing I discovered was that most of the popular philosophers of this time period drew thoughts from their predecessors. So, for example, Plato drew inspiration from Socrates, and Aristotle expanded upon Plato's philosophies. This mirrors Einstein's philosophy which he drew from Immanuel Kant and others.
This was a great book on the origins of Greek philosophy and the semantics of Greek philosophical terms. You'll explore the deeper meaning of "Arete, Kosmos, taxis, dynamis, anthropine, ergon, and others. I highly recommend this book
January 11, 2021
شرح های کتاب آنچنان مفصّل نیستند ولی دقیق بیان شده اند. نویسنده احاطه ی کاملی بر مطلب دارد و نکته های راهگشایی برای بهتر فهمیدنِ آرای یک فیلسوف ارائه داده.
April 24, 2022
I started reading it as an introduction to Ancient Greek Philosophy. It seemed to be a simple book but it was not... I had to read and re-read it more than 2 times in order to understand it. In the end it gives you a full picture of the Greek Philosophy, with an emphasis of course on Plato and Aristotle.
January 15, 2010
After having the Greco-Roman thing dully hammered, and thus rendered uninteresting, into my apathetic pre-pubescent skull, I am finally starting to catch on/catch up. I was attracted to this in a bookstore as hospital reading for yet another kidney stone blasting, but when I opened it up and saw its ancient font and 1950 publishing date I was skeptical, but found it to be a modest, well-written and succinct summation of Greek philosophy (spending most its energy on the big three: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle). The powers of the ancient Greeks deductive reasoning, with nothing to go on but their own minds (no experimental scientific methods, let alone the contemporary fields of grammar,linguistics or psychology) makes me marvel at their prescience in dealing with many of the philosophical questions we still struggle with. I devoured this as if I was reading a novel.
February 18, 2018
An excellent introduction into the pre-Socratics and their influence on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Together with Thomas Szlezak's Reading Plato, it makes a great starting point for anyone interested in the ideas of the ancient Greeks.
January 26, 2009
Perusing this short book has helped extend my sketchy knowledge about the inception and expansion of philosophy in ancient Greece, and the book is surprisingly friendly to its readers.
Guthrie looks at the pre-Socratic philosophers first, then the Big Three: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. This leaves out later philosophers such as the Epicureans and the Stoics, but provides us a much stronger background on those Big Three. To my surprise, however, the book included no discussion on the development of logic, for which Aristotle is known.
Among the many interesting tidbits, the author talks about the changing meaning of the word virtue, the actual reason Plato made such an issue of his Forms, and the vacuum around the subject of epistemology in a tradition focused upon metaphysics and ethics. The discussion gave me an appreciation of Aristotle's stress upon the immanent, and his introduction of potentiality as a hitherto unheard-of concept which solved many early conceptual puzzles.
As the story progresses, it shapes a picture of a society emerging from barbarism into a strikingly advanced state. I happily recommend this easy read for anyone curious about philosophy and classical studies.
Guthrie looks at the pre-Socratic philosophers first, then the Big Three: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. This leaves out later philosophers such as the Epicureans and the Stoics, but provides us a much stronger background on those Big Three. To my surprise, however, the book included no discussion on the development of logic, for which Aristotle is known.
Among the many interesting tidbits, the author talks about the changing meaning of the word virtue, the actual reason Plato made such an issue of his Forms, and the vacuum around the subject of epistemology in a tradition focused upon metaphysics and ethics. The discussion gave me an appreciation of Aristotle's stress upon the immanent, and his introduction of potentiality as a hitherto unheard-of concept which solved many early conceptual puzzles.
As the story progresses, it shapes a picture of a society emerging from barbarism into a strikingly advanced state. I happily recommend this easy read for anyone curious about philosophy and classical studies.
June 19, 2023
With the progress of science, technology, medicine, and general understanding of the the vast universe and cosmos in the last 2000 years, it is easy overlook the philosophies of the ancient Greeks or even designate them as outdated and useless. And, in any practical sense, to further expand our current understanding of science, technology, medicine I would agree; it's not like the leading scientific minds or doctors must have full knowledge of Greek philosophy to discover new technologies/medicines. But besides the practical reasons there is a "human" reason why those scientists and doctors should have some knowledge of Greek philosophy. What is the point of technology if people can't benefit from it? What are medicines/treatments if people can't or refuse to take it? It is important to understand the "human" side of things since these advancements are for people and the best way is to learn and understand the different perspectives of different types of people, morality, beliefs. Greek Philosophy is a perspective, a set of beliefs, a set of beliefs on morality. The Greek Philosophers: from Thales to Aristotle gives a brief, and yes super brief, overview of the history and views of certain philosophers including Heraclitus, Parmenides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and a few others.
Guthrie starts with explaining that some words and what they meant to the ancient Greeks were different than how we perceive them today. For example the word "god" to the Greeks did not mean a white male with a beard and robe living in the clouds (IDK I'm not Christian don't flame me), it meant more of a primal force that has existed and will exists and non changing. He also explains that it is important to take the philosophy in context with that time. So obviously if some rando comes up to you claims that everything on earth and earth itself is made of water and the our planet is surrounded by rings of fire and smoke with holes and the water inside of it gets turned to steam and spews out and that's why we see stars, moon, and the sun, we would try to get him help for drug abuse or maybe some mental breakdown idk not a doctor. This claim of how the earth is made of water and such is a claim by a philosopher that is discussed in this book. but according to Guthrie we have to consider that the ancient Greeks didn't possess the knowledge we have so we can't disregard it as some crazy mumbo jumbo and instead entertain it as legitimate wisdom. But yes, the book goes over various claims on the true nature of life, the earth, the stars, motions, humanism, soul albeit very brief and sometimes it feels like "biting into a pie and find that there is no filling (from Netflix's Witcher)".
And yes I joke but I do agree with Guthrie and believe that things people did or said in the past should be taken with historical context that does not mean completely erasing the faults of terrible people in the past but maybe try to understand the context. So for example, yes, some of the founding fathers had slaves but I mean all the rich white people with land back then had slaves back then that doesn't absolves the racist and terrible practice of slavery but to say that the founding fathers were terrible and should be remember as horrible people disregarding the fact that they laid the foundation of this country is absurd but I digress.
In this book, there will be dicey topics for today audience in 2023 not necessarily back then (this book was published in the 60s). For example, this book goes over Aristotle's philosophy on the form and matter of human (basically the nature of human being and their soul/consciousness), and oh boy if this guy was living today and saying this stuff he would get canceled immediately, he wouldn't be able to get a job, open a bank account, or rent an apartment he would be cancelled into the abyss. Basically, Aristotle believes that the human soul and the body are inseparable, they are not the same thing but "it is as if the body were the instrument through which a particular life or soul expresses itself". Yes if that sounds contradictory to current gender beliefs of today that's because it is. Today, it is discovered that gender dysphoria, a belief that a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity, is prevalent and real. But again it is important to just look at Aristotle's philosophy based in the historical context of back then.
The real strengths of the Greek that I admire is that there were many philosophers and thinkers back then all discussing with one another and having different views but they all spoke to one another, if the recorded documents and evidence is to be believed, and all entertained the views that differ from themselves. Today diversity of thought is scant, you get cancelled for saying the wrong thing and intellectual discussion/debate is frowned upon and placed below affirmations and confirmations of people's feelings. I believe this book and books like this would be a good step to understanding the Greek way of thinking from back then and maybe if more people read things like this then intellectual discussion and discourse would be encouraged more instead of echo chambers.
This book provide a good first step into the philosophy of the ancient Greeks but it is very brief and superficial. I suspect this book would be supplementary material to a beginning philosophy course in college but I have no idea. I do recommend though that philosophy in general be study a bit more and even people in stem should be open to the idea of learning more philosophy.
Guthrie starts with explaining that some words and what they meant to the ancient Greeks were different than how we perceive them today. For example the word "god" to the Greeks did not mean a white male with a beard and robe living in the clouds (IDK I'm not Christian don't flame me), it meant more of a primal force that has existed and will exists and non changing. He also explains that it is important to take the philosophy in context with that time. So obviously if some rando comes up to you claims that everything on earth and earth itself is made of water and the our planet is surrounded by rings of fire and smoke with holes and the water inside of it gets turned to steam and spews out and that's why we see stars, moon, and the sun, we would try to get him help for drug abuse or maybe some mental breakdown idk not a doctor. This claim of how the earth is made of water and such is a claim by a philosopher that is discussed in this book. but according to Guthrie we have to consider that the ancient Greeks didn't possess the knowledge we have so we can't disregard it as some crazy mumbo jumbo and instead entertain it as legitimate wisdom. But yes, the book goes over various claims on the true nature of life, the earth, the stars, motions, humanism, soul albeit very brief and sometimes it feels like "biting into a pie and find that there is no filling (from Netflix's Witcher)".
And yes I joke but I do agree with Guthrie and believe that things people did or said in the past should be taken with historical context that does not mean completely erasing the faults of terrible people in the past but maybe try to understand the context. So for example, yes, some of the founding fathers had slaves but I mean all the rich white people with land back then had slaves back then that doesn't absolves the racist and terrible practice of slavery but to say that the founding fathers were terrible and should be remember as horrible people disregarding the fact that they laid the foundation of this country is absurd but I digress.
In this book, there will be dicey topics for today audience in 2023 not necessarily back then (this book was published in the 60s). For example, this book goes over Aristotle's philosophy on the form and matter of human (basically the nature of human being and their soul/consciousness), and oh boy if this guy was living today and saying this stuff he would get canceled immediately, he wouldn't be able to get a job, open a bank account, or rent an apartment he would be cancelled into the abyss. Basically, Aristotle believes that the human soul and the body are inseparable, they are not the same thing but "it is as if the body were the instrument through which a particular life or soul expresses itself". Yes if that sounds contradictory to current gender beliefs of today that's because it is. Today, it is discovered that gender dysphoria, a belief that a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity, is prevalent and real. But again it is important to just look at Aristotle's philosophy based in the historical context of back then.
The real strengths of the Greek that I admire is that there were many philosophers and thinkers back then all discussing with one another and having different views but they all spoke to one another, if the recorded documents and evidence is to be believed, and all entertained the views that differ from themselves. Today diversity of thought is scant, you get cancelled for saying the wrong thing and intellectual discussion/debate is frowned upon and placed below affirmations and confirmations of people's feelings. I believe this book and books like this would be a good step to understanding the Greek way of thinking from back then and maybe if more people read things like this then intellectual discussion and discourse would be encouraged more instead of echo chambers.
This book provide a good first step into the philosophy of the ancient Greeks but it is very brief and superficial. I suspect this book would be supplementary material to a beginning philosophy course in college but I have no idea. I do recommend though that philosophy in general be study a bit more and even people in stem should be open to the idea of learning more philosophy.
December 24, 2020
It was definitely a survey, wouldn't recommend if you've taken even one introductory class on philosophy with a half decent professor.
July 7, 2024
I still don't understand
October 29, 2021
A perfect and uncomplicated introduction to the earliest thinkers.
April 23, 2021
This author is incredible. I genuinely love the cultural context he provides I think it is so essential to understanding the formation and trajectory of ideas!! This was one of the first things that birthed my love of Ancient Greek philosophy.
I could not put this book down until I had devoured it, tagged almost every page and greedily underlined every beautiful passage. The explanations and quotes presented stuck in my mind without any mental labour because it is so beautifully written.
This is a great starting point for those looking to dive further into this era of thought. Like a ‘menu’ from which one can identify their interest and pursue more in-depth resources — I love that Guthrie emphasises the point of secondary texts and actively encourages readers to pursue primary texts.
The only downside of this book is that it will leave you with a stinging guilt and sense of inadequacy for not speaking Ancient Greek.
I could not put this book down until I had devoured it, tagged almost every page and greedily underlined every beautiful passage. The explanations and quotes presented stuck in my mind without any mental labour because it is so beautifully written.
This is a great starting point for those looking to dive further into this era of thought. Like a ‘menu’ from which one can identify their interest and pursue more in-depth resources — I love that Guthrie emphasises the point of secondary texts and actively encourages readers to pursue primary texts.
The only downside of this book is that it will leave you with a stinging guilt and sense of inadequacy for not speaking Ancient Greek.
December 21, 2013
Gurthrie's introduction to the Greek philosophers is a simple, accessible and straight-forward primer on the big thinkers of Ancient Greece. I found his discussions of Plato and Aristotle admirably succinct and perspicacious.
January 26, 2008
A good brief treatment; he presents it as philosophy progressing upward, but it felt to me that the direction was the opposite.
January 26, 2016
ანტიკური ფილოსოფიის მოკლე და საინტერესო კურსია ( წაკითხული არაფილოსოფოსთათვის). შესაძლოა, ვინმეს უფრო ღრმა ინტერესი გაუჩინოს ანტიკური ფილოსოფიისადმი.
November 8, 2020
مقدمه مترجم:
فلسفه یونان، هر نظری که درباره ابداعی یا اقتباسی بودن آن داشته باشیم، دست کم، یکی از مؤلفه های مهم کل فرهنگ بشر در دوره های بعدی است. این سخن را درخصوص فرهنگ غربی با تأکید بیش تر می توان بر زبان آورد؛ اما درخصوص فرهنگ اسلامی نیز آن چه از هند و ایران و مواریث بومی سرزمین های اسلامی در این فرهنگ جذب و هضم شده است. به حق در محاق مواریث یونانی قرار می گیرد. کافی است نگاهی بر احصاء العلوم فارابی یا مفاتیح العلوم خوارزمی بیاندازیم تا معلوم شود که چه حجم عظیمی از علوم رایج در جهان اسلام به اصطلاح علوم «عقیله» یا «دخیله»، در برابر علوم «نقلیه» یا «شرعیه» است. آن چه ما از یونان به ارث برده ایم در تمام زندگی ما و در شکل گیری ذهن و زبان ما تأثیری بسزاد نهاده است. گرایش های مختلف در اوایل شکل گیری فرهنگ اسلامی، در همه زمینه ها، از جمله در مباحث اعتقادی و دینی، تا حدود زیادی هر کدام با الهام از گرایشی در اندیشه یونانی به موضع گیری در برابر یکدیگر می پرداختند (از الهام گرفتن متکلمان از اتمیسم یونانی در مقابله با مشائیان مسلمان می توان به عنوان نمونه یاد کرد.) حتی مخالفان کل علوم دخیله نیز به نوعی ناچار بودند که با زبان طرفداران آن علوم به ابراز مخالفت بپردازند.
از سوی دیگر به ضرس قاطع می توان گفت که مسلمانان در هیچ یک از ان چه از ملل دیگر می گرفتند پذیرنده صرف نبودند. آنها علاوه بر گزینش این که چه بگیرند و چه نگیرند در آن چه می گرفتند تصرف می کردند؛ رشد و و تکاملش می دادند و به صورت جزئی از اجزای یک کل پویا به نام «فرهنگ و تمدن اسلامی» در می آوردند. کار مسلمان ها از این حیث آن قدر عظیم بود که اروپای مسیحی در اوایل هزاره دوم میلادی خود را ناچار از اخذ و اقتباس از دستاوردهای انان دید.
درخصوص فلسفه، این دخل و تصرف پیش از انتقال به عالم اسلام نیز صورت گرفته بود. تعالیم دین یهود، ادیان ایرانی و دین مسیحی پیش تر به تعامل با آموزه های فلسفه یونان پرداخته و باعث شده بودند آن چه، فی المثل به نام فلسفه افلاطونی یا ارسطویی، به جهان اسلام منتقل می شد با اصل اولیه اش تفاوت هایی بارزی داشته باشد.
فلسفه یونان، هر نظری که درباره ابداعی یا اقتباسی بودن آن داشته باشیم، دست کم، یکی از مؤلفه های مهم کل فرهنگ بشر در دوره های بعدی است. این سخن را درخصوص فرهنگ غربی با تأکید بیش تر می توان بر زبان آورد؛ اما درخصوص فرهنگ اسلامی نیز آن چه از هند و ایران و مواریث بومی سرزمین های اسلامی در این فرهنگ جذب و هضم شده است. به حق در محاق مواریث یونانی قرار می گیرد. کافی است نگاهی بر احصاء العلوم فارابی یا مفاتیح العلوم خوارزمی بیاندازیم تا معلوم شود که چه حجم عظیمی از علوم رایج در جهان اسلام به اصطلاح علوم «عقیله» یا «دخیله»، در برابر علوم «نقلیه» یا «شرعیه» است. آن چه ما از یونان به ارث برده ایم در تمام زندگی ما و در شکل گیری ذهن و زبان ما تأثیری بسزاد نهاده است. گرایش های مختلف در اوایل شکل گیری فرهنگ اسلامی، در همه زمینه ها، از جمله در مباحث اعتقادی و دینی، تا حدود زیادی هر کدام با الهام از گرایشی در اندیشه یونانی به موضع گیری در برابر یکدیگر می پرداختند (از الهام گرفتن متکلمان از اتمیسم یونانی در مقابله با مشائیان مسلمان می توان به عنوان نمونه یاد کرد.) حتی مخالفان کل علوم دخیله نیز به نوعی ناچار بودند که با زبان طرفداران آن علوم به ابراز مخالفت بپردازند.
از سوی دیگر به ضرس قاطع می توان گفت که مسلمانان در هیچ یک از ان چه از ملل دیگر می گرفتند پذیرنده صرف نبودند. آنها علاوه بر گزینش این که چه بگیرند و چه نگیرند در آن چه می گرفتند تصرف می کردند؛ رشد و و تکاملش می دادند و به صورت جزئی از اجزای یک کل پویا به نام «فرهنگ و تمدن اسلامی» در می آوردند. کار مسلمان ها از این حیث آن قدر عظیم بود که اروپای مسیحی در اوایل هزاره دوم میلادی خود را ناچار از اخذ و اقتباس از دستاوردهای انان دید.
درخصوص فلسفه، این دخل و تصرف پیش از انتقال به عالم اسلام نیز صورت گرفته بود. تعالیم دین یهود، ادیان ایرانی و دین مسیحی پیش تر به تعامل با آموزه های فلسفه یونان پرداخته و باعث شده بودند آن چه، فی المثل به نام فلسفه افلاطونی یا ارسطویی، به جهان اسلام منتقل می شد با اصل اولیه اش تفاوت هایی بارزی داشته باشد.
December 31, 2023
This book was very helpful for me as it goes through each of the Ancient Greek philosophers, giving brief but nonetheless very explanatory accounts of them. I just finished up my Ancient Greek Philosophy module in college which was probably my favourite from this semester and I wanted to read this to revise, understand each of these magnificent thinkers on a deeper level and hopefully it will help me with an essay I have due as well.
Philosophy has totally changed the way I look at things - where as some ideas or objects were previously on very simple terms for me or something I didn’t think much of, since studying philosophy my brain has opened itself up to more possibilities and a wider perspective on pretty much everything. Combine this with my study of psychology as well and I feel like I’m slowly on a path to become a well-rounded thinker and human being. Plus my philosophy lecturer is absolutely amazing, making everything interesting for us and the type of person you could just listen to talk for hours on end without any sense of boredom. I can’t wait to study more. Plato and Heraclitus have the most interest for me from this module.
Philosophy has totally changed the way I look at things - where as some ideas or objects were previously on very simple terms for me or something I didn’t think much of, since studying philosophy my brain has opened itself up to more possibilities and a wider perspective on pretty much everything. Combine this with my study of psychology as well and I feel like I’m slowly on a path to become a well-rounded thinker and human being. Plus my philosophy lecturer is absolutely amazing, making everything interesting for us and the type of person you could just listen to talk for hours on end without any sense of boredom. I can’t wait to study more. Plato and Heraclitus have the most interest for me from this module.
December 17, 2024
There are some paragraphs about Plato that makes me reconsider the so called platonic mysticism of the christian tradition , also bearing in mind what Simone Weil writes about stoicism and plato. A stoic interpretation of Plato does indeed make it bearable and even brilliant- it is fundamentally a program for mental, psychological, health and well being, the GEOMETRICAL EDIFICE OF THE SOUL.
I think what I probably detest is unsophisticated mysticism inflated by concupiscence. Perhaps I am wrongfully calling this 'Platonism' , allthough this is correct in the sense that the self appointed interpreters of plato are mysticist who interpret Plato in a foolish way , in a sense coloured by what Luther called 'theology of glory' ; satanic interpretation, which is more banal that its language suggest. It is the defensive reading of natural man who is driven by concupiscence.
I think what I probably detest is unsophisticated mysticism inflated by concupiscence. Perhaps I am wrongfully calling this 'Platonism' , allthough this is correct in the sense that the self appointed interpreters of plato are mysticist who interpret Plato in a foolish way , in a sense coloured by what Luther called 'theology of glory' ; satanic interpretation, which is more banal that its language suggest. It is the defensive reading of natural man who is driven by concupiscence.
April 7, 2018
Özellikle Aristo ile ilgili kısımda biraz fazla felsefi terminoloji içerdiği için sindirerek ve ağır okumak gerekiyor. Felsefeye giriş için çok da uygun bir kitap olduğunu düşünmüyorum. Halihazırda belli bir altyapıya sahip bir okurun daha çok verim alacağına inanıyorum bu kitaptan. Tavsiyem internetten konuyla ilgili eğitim videoları eşliğinde okunması (çok kolaycı bir yol biliyorum ama hayat kısa kuşlar uçuyor). Bu sayede anlatılanlar hızla yerine oturuyor daha da önemlisi Sokrates, Platon ve Aristo arasındaki temel farklar daha net anlaşılabiliyor. Öte yandan bu kitabın okunma sürecini uzatıp sizi yorabiliyor da.
July 6, 2019
This is a great introduction to philosophy and a great book on Greek thought. It deals with some misconceptions about the earliest philosophers and their thought, setting out for an anthropological approach focused on how people of ancient Greece thought and not just what they wrote, but at the same time it is not difficult to read. One could still nitpick or complain that many philosophers are not mentioned, but as a short introduction it accomplishes what it needs to do and trying to polish it further would only wear it out.
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September 21, 2023Fantastic—concise, clear, insightful. Guthrie traces a genealogy of thought from Thales, Heraclitus and Parmenides through to Aristotle, considering how political upheaval and personal histories shaped their perspectives. The transitions between thinkers are especially helpful, with the movement between Plato and Aristotle being particular illuminating.
While I wouldn't recommend this for someone totally new to philosophy, if you're going back to read some Greek primary source texts (like I'm doing, for some reason), it's indispensable.
While I wouldn't recommend this for someone totally new to philosophy, if you're going back to read some Greek primary source texts (like I'm doing, for some reason), it's indispensable.
June 7, 2018
A concise, readable, and engaging introduction to Ancient Greek thought. Guthrie is clearly passionate about his subject, and it comes across in his convictions about what is important for the reader to know and how he writes about it. This book absolutely piqued my interest in further exploring various philosophical traditions and understanding their influence on later thought, and in that I believe it achieves its aims
July 22, 2017
An excellent short, concise, and clear introduction to ancient Greek classical philosophy from Thales to Aristotle. I particularly appreciated Guthrie's explanation of some key words- according to their ancient Greek meaning- such as, justice, good, virtue, etc..
March 18, 2021
This is a good revising book for someone who used to take some classes of philosophy in a while ago. Some details here might be a bit hard to understand within one glance. Not quite a beginner friendly though.
December 30, 2023
Read this during my ancient philosophy course. An easy to digest summary of philosophy’s first origins- from the pre-Socratics to the Big 3. Loved this read and marked it up like crazy. Will always recommend to anyone wanting to get into ancient philosophy.
May 28, 2025
A really great overview of the Pre-Socratic philosophers and the main tenets of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. I especially appreciated the linguistic context of how the Greek words colored their manner of thought.
December 31, 2019
A consise overview of major greek philosophers. I was surpised to find many correlations between eastern conceptions of the afterlife and the divine.
May 14, 2020
Socrates was a man ahead of his time.
December 17, 2020
Great overview
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September 19, 2021این کتاب برای شروع فلسفه یونان کتابی دقیق و روانی است.
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