Greeks and the Irrational: 25 (Sather Classical Lectures) - Softcover

Dodds, Eric R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0520242300 ISBN 13: 9780520242302

Publisher: University of California Press, 2004

Synopsis

In this philosophy classic, which was first published in 1951, E. R. Dodds takes on the traditional view of Greek culture as a triumph of rationalism. Using the analytical tools of modern anthropology and psychology, Dodds asks, "Why should we attribute to the ancient Greeks an immunity from 'primitive' modes of thought which we do not find in any society open to our direct observation?" Praised by reviewers as "an event in modern Greek scholarship" and "a book which it would be difficult to over-praise," The Greeks and the Irrational was Volume 25 of the Sather Classical Lectures series.

About this title

Review

"An exciting and fundamental subject; profound learning illuminated by imaginative insight and controlled by a modest and balanced judgment; a literary style of exceptional clarity, vigour, and elegance; the combination of these ingrediants produces a book which it would be difficult to over-praise."--"Oxford Magazine"

Synopsis

Dodds takes on the traditional view of Greek culture as a triumph of rationalism. Using the analytical tools of modern anthropology and psychology, Dodds argues that the Greeks were subject to the same 'primitive' modes of thought to be found in any society.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0520242300
• ISBN 13: 9780520242302
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 336