Magic, Reason and Experience (BCP Paperback S.) - Softcover

Lloyd, G.E.R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853996025 ISBN 13: 9781853996023

Publisher: Bristol Classical Press, 2000

Synopsis

This text is a study of the origins and development of Greek science, focusing especially on the interactions of scientific and traditional patterns of thought from the 6th to the 4th centuries Bc. The starting point is an examination of how certain Greek authors deployed the category of 'magic' and attacked magical beliefs and practices. In the second chapter the book outlines the development and significance of the theory and practice of argument in early Greek science and follows this with a study of the development of empirical research. Finally the author asks why the Greeks invented science: what precisely their contribution was, and what social, economic, ideological and political factors had a bearing on the growth of science in Greece. Designed primarily for students of the history and philosophy of science and classicists, this book also embraces comparative material from anthropology, and from the study of ancient Near Eastern civilisation, and is therefore suitable for anthropologists too.

About this title

About the Author

Sir Geoffrey Lloyd is Emeritus Professor of Ancient Philosophy and Science, University of Cambridge. He is the author of 16 books, the most recent of which are Ambitions of Curiosity (2002), The Way and the Word (2002), Greek Thought (edited with J. Brunschwig, 2003), In the Grip of Disease (2003) and Ancient Worlds Modern Reflections (2003).

Edition details

• Publisher: Bristol Classical Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853996025
• ISBN 13: 9781853996023
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 348