Porphyry Introduction (Clarendon Later Ancient Philosophers) [Hardcover]

Jonathan Barnes (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199246149 | ISBN-13: 978-0199246144 | Publication Date: July 17, 2003

The Introduction to philosophy written by Porphyry at the end of the second century AD is the most successful work of its kind ever to have been published. Porphyry's aim was modest, but he gave highly influential treatments of a number of perennial philosophical questions. Jonathan Barnes presents a complete new English translation, preceded by a substantial introduction and followed by an invaluable commentary, the first to be published in English and the fullest for a century, whose primary aim is to analyze and assess the philosophical theses and arguments which the Introduction puts forward.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`The translation, unembarrassed by the existence of so many previous attempts, cultivates a scrupulous awkwardness and avoidance of lazy conventional equivalences, that leaves no excuse for not thinking hard about what precisely the text is saying. The commentary ... is as richly informed by knowledge of the ancient tradition, as alert to issues of logical interest, and as acute in their discussion, as could be desired.' Michael Trapp, Times Literary Supplement

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199246149
• ISBN-13: 978-0199246144
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,476,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars foundation for the study of Logic, April 22, 2010

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Richard Min (Ontario) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Porphyry Introduction (Clarendon Later Ancient Philosophers) (Paperback)

If you want to begin the formal study of Aristotelian Logic (the Organon), get this book first as preparation (Porphyry's intro is only 20 pages), seeing as how it was used that way by liberal arts students for a millenium. A very helpful read for understanding distinctions in predication. I shall write another review once I've mastered the contents therein.