Spectacles of Truth in Classical Greek Philosophy: Theoria in its Cultural Context - Softcover

Nightingale, Andrea

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521117798 ISBN 13: 9780521117791

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

In fourth-century Greece (BCE), the debate over the nature of philosophy generated a novel claim: that the highest form of wisdom is theoria, the rational 'vision' of metaphysical truths (the 'spectator theory of knowledge'). This 2004 book offers an original analysis of the construction of 'theoretical' philosophy in fourth-century Greece. In the effort to conceptualise and legitimise theoretical philosophy, the philosophers turned to a venerable cultural practice: theoria (state pilgrimage). In this practice, an individual journeyed abroad as an official witness of sacralized spectacles. This book examines the philosophic appropriation and transformation of theoria, and analyses the competing conceptions of theoretical wisdom in fourth-century philosophy. By tracing the link between traditional and philosophic theoria, this book locates the creation of theoretical philosophy in its historical context, analysing theoria as a cultural and an intellectual practice. It develops a new, interdisciplinary approach, drawing on philosophy, history and literary studies.

About this title

Review

Review of the hardback: 'Nightingale ably demonstrates the importance of theoria at a crucial stage in Western philosophy whose influence is still felt today, and she includes an interesting coda on the implications of theoria for modern environmental philosophy. Nightingale handles often complex and subtle material with clarity and insight; the writing is at all times lucid, jargon-free and her general argument has much to recommend it.' Journal of Hellenic Studies

Book Description

In fourth-century BCE Athens wisdom went from being viewed as an activity performed in practical and political contexts to being conceived in terms of theoria, or the wise man as a 'spectator' of truth. This 2004 book examines this fundamental development and the cultural conditions which influenced and illuminate it.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521117798
• ISBN 13: 9780521117791
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 324