Hellenistic Philosophy: Introductory Readings [Paperback]

Brad Inwood (Translator), Lloyd P. Gerson (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998 | ISBN-10: 0872203786 | ISBN-13: 978-0872203785 | Edition: 2

Enlarged to provide nearly a hundred pages of additional material, this new edition offers the first English translation of the account of Stoic ethics by Anus Didysmus, substantial new sources on Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Scepticism, expanded representation of Plutarch and Cicero, and a fuller representation of papyrological evidence. The editors maintain the consistency and accuracy that distinguished their translations in the first edition, while regrouping some material into larger, more thematically connected passages. This edition is further enhanced by a new more spacious page design.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Brad Inwood

Product Details

• Paperback: 441 pages
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc; 2 edition (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872203786
• ISBN-13: 978-0872203785
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great value, useful selections, September 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hellenistic Philosophy: Introductory Readings (Paperback)

classic selections that provide the best remnants of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism that has been expanded to include representation of Plutarch and Cicero and some recent papyrological evidence. The collection is especially strong in ethical reasoning.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great material, odd cuts, disorganized presentation, December 14, 2007

By 

Matthew T. Weflen "Matthew Weflen" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hellenistic Philosophy: Introductory Readings (Paperback)

I just finished using this text in a graduate course on ancient skepticism. I have to say I was not particularly enamored of the organization of the material. I found the breakdown into subject matter less helpful than a breakdown by source would have been.

That said, the translations are good, read well, and communicate meanings effectively. The sweep of the material is impressive. Some of the cuts and emendations are rather odd, though, particularly in the Sextian Modes. In comparison to Annas and Barnes' translation ("Outlines of Scepticism"), which preserves the complete text, "HP" was lacking.

This book does not offer much in the way of analysis or historical context, either. If you're studying Sextus, go with either of Annas' books (her other is "Modes of Scepticism") as an intro text. If you want a truncated reader in the area, this book will do.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Review of Hackett's 'Hellenistic Philosophy', September 13, 2010

By 

Ryan S. Mease "scott.godwin" (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hellenistic Philosophy: Introductory Readings (Paperback)

I rarely review a work I didn't finish reading, but I couldn't justify following this one to the end. As another viewer mentioned, the organization of this work is very unhelpful. At times, passages seemed to be ordered according to theme, and at other times according to doxographical author. This makes it incredibly difficult for the reader to see lasting themes in each school's thought.

I'm now turning to A. A. Long, as well as Hackett's 'Stoics Reader' (also by Inwood of 'Hellenistic Philosophy'), both of which seem to have a clearer organization.