Before and after Socrates [Paperback]

F. M. Cornford (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521091136 | ISBN-13: 978-0521091138 | Publication Date: January 3, 1932

In this book, F.M. Cornford explains why the life and work of Socrates stand out as marking a turning-point in the history of thought. He shows how Socrates revolutionized the concept of philosophy, converting it from the study of Nature to the study of the human soul, the meaning of right and wrong, and the ends for which we ought to live. This is, in fact, the story of the whole creative period of Greek philosophy - the Ionian nature of science before Socrates, Socrates himself, and his chief followers, Plato and his pupil Aristotle. It tells of the different contributions each made, and shows how within three centuries the Greek tradition grew to maturity and the fullness of intellectual power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Admirable in both tone and content ... it can be confidently recommended to those who wish for a competent statement in a short compass of what the Greek philosophers believed and why.' New Statesman

'Professor Cornford's small book is not only a masterly piece of condensation, nor only a delightful introduction of further reading; it is more, and it claims the attention of every serious student of the subject ... full of suggestive ideas and arresting phrases ... refreshing and stimulating'. Journal of Hellenic Studies

Book Description

"...a brilliant commentary on the Greek mind and its attitude to life." TLS

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 3, 1932)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521091136
• ISBN-13: 978-0521091138
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #431,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Digestible philosophy, December 28, 1999

By 

Walter Hearne (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Before and after Socrates (Paperback)

When I received this book, I was expecting a more comprehensive survey of Greek thought, but I was nonetheless pleasantly surprised. This very slim book (109 pp) is actually a series of lectures delivered by Cornford on the development of Greek philosophy from Ionian science to Socrates, his pupil Plato, and his pupil Aristotle (with nods to others such as Pythagoras and Democritus along the way). Cornford delivers in very plain language what he considers to be the essential differences between these thinkers. I found this to be a very enjoyable introduction to Greek (and Western) philosophy that can be read within an hour or two. If only more philosophers would deign to present their theories to the laity as clearly as Professor Cornford!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic introduction to Greek philosophy, February 7, 2004

By 

David Fowler (Santa Barbara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Before and after Socrates (Paperback)

There are no doubt countless introductions to Greek philosophy, but amidst the vast sea of choices this book easily floats above the rest. Professor Cornford's writing is rare, he displays a clear mastery of the subject and conveys his vast knowledge in a manner that is refreshingly lucid. There is no complex language to unpack or needless detail to confuse his presentation of the material. Cornford approaches the subject by addressing the general themes associated with the Ionians, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. This is a nice approach because the beginner, rather than being lost in detail, is given the "big picture" with which he can then orient the details of further reading. This is the greatest virtue of Cornford's book, and it is for that reason that I so highly recommend it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't know much about history...Don't know much philosophy.., June 3, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Before and after Socrates (Paperback)

But I do know that I love the writings of F.M. Cornford. He explains the writings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in such a way that it becomes entirely relevant to these days in which we live. Why are we the way we are? What were the beliefs of the ancient thinkers? Some of them were so tenacious in their beliefs that they were willing to give their lives for them. As a searcher of truth, this book spoke to me. Explains the "laws of nature" vs. the "laws of state" and why the former is more preferable than the latter. Cornford is a genius.