An Inquiry into the Philosophical Concept of Schol: Leisure as a Political End

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Though the ancient Greek philosophical concept of schol is usually translated as leisure, there is a vast difference between the two. Leisure, derived from Latin licere, has its roots in Roman otium and connotes the uses of free time in ways permitted by the status quo. Schol is the actualization of mind and ones humanity within a republic that devotes its culture to making such a choice possible. This volume traces the background in Greek culture and the writings of Plato of a daring proposal presented by Aristotle, that schol is a principle for political organization. The concept of schol by and large did not survive Aristotle. To sharpen our understanding of schol the book goes on to identify the concepts of leisure which we have inherited from the intellectuals of the Hellenistic and Roman empires and the early Church Fathers. Schol also had its contrary ascholia busyness which Plato described as a social and psychological pathology and his analysis suggests why, due to these ills, current visions of a leisure society are highly unlikely.

Reviews

An original book packed with delicious food for thought. It is insightful, timely, and riveting. * Huffington Post *
One of the most important philosophical publications in recent years ... precious and beautifully written. * Apeiron Journal *
[I] thoroughly enjoyed the authors deep knowledge of Greek and Roman philosophy and close reading of texts and key terms ... Provides a meticulous and fascinating reading of schol in Aristotelian texts. * Heythrop Journal *
Kostas Kalimtzis new book is aimed at an audience curious to deepen their understanding of ancient philosophy, approaching it through the prism of schol. * Anabases *
This book is a must-read not only for students of Greek philosophy, but it is an eye-opener for all of us who have been perplexed as to why the notion of human fulfillment in our culture curiously has come to elude our grasp. * Peter Hadreas, Professor of Philosophy, San Jose State University, USA *
The study of Ancient schol is a much-neglected and extremely foundational topic. Anyone interested in Ancient theories of politics, eudaimonia, and culture in general simply must read this book. * Audrey L. Anton, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Western Kentucky University, USA *

Author Bio

Kostas Kalimtzis is Lecturer in Ancient Greek Philosophy at Arcadia University, Greece and an Honorary Research Associate at Royal Holloway, UK. He is the author of Taming Anger (Bloomsbury, 2012).