Yale Classics

by Aristotle, Plato, Euripides

Yale Classics (Vol. 1) embodies a sweeping exploration of the foundational texts of Western civilization, offering readers a rich tapestry of literary styles spanning epic poetry, philosophy, historical narratives, and dramatic plays. This anthology brings together an unparalleled collection of works that have shaped not only academic discourse but also the very fabric of cultural and intellectual history. The compilation boasts an impressive array of standout pieces, from the epic tales of Homer to the penetrating dialogues of Plato, unified under themes of human nature, ethics, governance, and the pursuit of knowledge. It reflects the diversity and significance of ancient Greek literature and its enduring impact on subsequent generations. The contributing authors and editors of Yale Classics (Vol. 1) are towering figures in the pantheon of literary and philosophical history. Their collective contributions span across different epochs of the ancient world, encapsulating the essence of Greek literary and intellectual achievement. This anthology aligns with key historical, cultural, and literary movements of ancient Greece, offering a panoramic view of its monumental legacy. The varied voices in this collection, from poets like Sappho and Pindar to philosophers such as Aristotle and Epictetus, come together to enrich the reader's understanding of ancient wisdom and its relevance to contemporary questions. Yale Classics (Vol. 1) is an indispensable collection for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of classical literature and philosophy. It presents a unique opportunity to engage with the foundational texts of Western thought in a comprehensive and accessible format. This volume is not only an educational resource but a gateway to the vast world of ancient Greek literature, inviting readers to explore the depths of human experience as captured by some of history's most profound minds. Its diverse content and scholarly presentation makes it an invaluable addition to any library, promising endless hours of exploration and insight.

6288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2023

About the author

Aristotle (Greek: Αριστοτέλης; 384–322 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, and the arts. As the founder of the Peripatetic school of philosophy in the Lyceum in Athens, he began the wider Aristotelian tradition that followed, which set the groundwork for the development of modern science.
Little is known about Aristotle's life. He was born in the city of Stagira in northern Greece during the Classical period. His father, Nicomachus, died when Aristotle was a child, and he was brought up by a guardian. At 17 or 18, he joined Plato's Academy in Athens and remained there until the age of 37 (c. 347 BC). Shortly after Plato died, Aristotle left Athens and, at the request of Philip II of Macedon, tutored his son Alexander the Great beginning in 343 BC. He established a library in the Lyceum, which helped him to produce many of his hundreds of books on papyrus scrolls.
Though Aristotle wrote many treatises and dialogues for publication, only around a third of his original output has survived, none of it intended for publication. Aristotle provided a complex synthesis of the various philosophies existing prior to him. His teachings and methods of inquiry have had a significant impact across the world, and remain a subject of contemporary philosophical discussion.
Aristotle's views profoundly shaped medieval scholarship. The influence of his physical science extended from late antiquity and the Early Middle Ages into the Renaissance, and was not replaced systematically until the Enlightenment and theories such as classical mechanics were developed. He influenced Judeo-Islamic philosophies during the Middle Ages, as well as Christian theology, especially the Neoplatonism of the Early Church and the scholastic tradition of the Catholic Church.
Aristotle was revered among medieval Muslim scholars as "The First Teacher", and among medieval Christians like Thomas Aquinas as simply "The Philosopher", while the poet Dante Alighieri called him "the master of those who know". His works contain the earliest known formal study of logic, and were studied by medieval scholars such as Pierre Abélard and Jean Buridan. Aristotle's influence on logic continued well into the 19th century. In addition, his ethics, although always influential, gained renewed interest with the modern advent of virtue ethics.