Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle

by Reginald E. Allen (Editor)

Widely praised for its accessibility and its concentration on the metaphysical issues that are most central to the history of Greek philosophy, Greek Thales to Aristotle offers a valuable introduction to the works of the Presocratics, Plato, and Aristotle.
For the Third Edition, Professor Allen has provided new translations of Socrates' speech in the Symposium and of the first five chapters of Aristotle's Categories, as well as new selections bearing on Aristotle's Theory of Infinity, Continuity, and Discreteness. The book also contains a general introduction which sets forth Professor Allen's distinctive and now widely accepted interpretation of the development of Greek philosophy and science, along with selective bibliography, and lists of suggested readings.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Reference, History, Greece, Classics

446 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Evan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Steer the ship clear of yonder spray and surge.”

Good anthologies of Plato and Aristotle

[D.S. Mattison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a free box on Cortland Ave complete with dried flowers inserted in random pages. I give it four stars because the introduction alone provides any dabbler in ancient Greek philosophy a solid background on the key figures and their major contributions to philosophy, science, and history. The translated fragments are accessible and useful as a quick reference. We'd all do well to brush up on our knowledge of early philosophy because every great idea we've ever had has already been thought. When I was 16 I thought I was a genius when I realized that everything was itself, its opposite and both at the same time, thereby forcing the hypothesis: knowing is the antithesis of being. Little did I know then that Heraclitus said the same thing a couple thousand years before me.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most exciting read, but I'm glad I finished it. I haven't read much philosophy and this was a good way to see how some of the greats influenced eachother. I think Plato was my favourite, but I'll have to read some more before making a definitive decision.

[Erick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This does serve as a good introduction to Greek philosophy in general. The works of the pre-Socratic philosophers are pretty much lost, save for quotations and summations in other works. The only actual works extracted here are from Plato and Aristotle. I’ve read pretty much all of their works already, but this does include important parts of their works in concise form. The editors did a fairly good job of providing portions that have intrinsic value in showing important aspects of their philosophies.

Honestly, if you’re at all into Philosophy, you need to read the complete works of Plato and Aristotle. This is the kind of book you’d find in a course on Philosophy I think. It is insufficient. Hardly better than a book that might whet one’s appetite for Philosophy.

[Joel C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few great books can change your life. This one will direct it to a higher purpose. Enjoy!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars just for the Introduction alone.

[Chinmayee Kulkarni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author presents seemingly good translations of major works without much context. That's the only drawback

[Ecrivan]

re-reading this before performing in the role of Socrates..I otherwise think that the mock trial recently completed in Greece gave an unexpected result, Socrates was acquitted. Are we being too lenient or do we fail to see that sexual indecency and believing in oneself as truthful, does not constitute the need for a harsher treatment?

[Azaghedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good collection of representative writings from the more influential philosophers of Greek antiquity. Myself, I enjoyed nearly all of Plato's selections, and Aristotles "Ethics" and "Physics" most.

[Scot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up at Aristotle's 'On the Soul', 300 pages in. This book did not have the supplementary material that I was hoping for. Nevertheless, much of Plato's texts were really interesting on their own.

[Rosie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Doubted the expertise of the author.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a textbook. I enjoyed the class. I got an 'A'.

[Mills College Library]

180 G7938 1991