Ancient Mediterranean Philosophy: An Introduction

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Although the Greeks were responsible for the first systematic philosophy of which we have any record, they were not alone in the Mediterranean world and were happy to draw inspiration from other traditions; traditions that are now largely neglected by philosophers and scholars. This book tells the story of 'Greek Philosophy', paying due attention to its historical context and the contributions made by Egyptians, Hebrews, Persians and even barbarians from northern Europe. Stephen Clark provides a narrative history of the philosophical traditions that took shape over several centuries in the Mediterranean world and offers a comprehensive survey of this crucial period in the history of philosophy. The book includes a thorough historical and philosophical overview of all the key thinkers, events and ideas that characterized the period and explores in detail central themes such as the contest of gods and giants, the contrast between the reality and appearance, and the idea of the philosopher. Ideal for undergraduate students, this concise and accessible book provides a comprehensive guide to a fascinating period in the history of philosophy.

Reviews

This is an original and, at times, challenging introduction, which provokes as much as it elucidates, if not more ... It is certainly worthy of a place on introductory bibliographies for courses on ancient philosophy, where it will provide a fresh and hugely knowledgeable perspective. -- Jenny Bryan, University College London, UK * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
This is a work of great originality and magisterial sweep from one of England's most important philosophers, setting the phenomenon of Greek philosophy within its wider Mediterranean context, and tying it in with Egyptian and Middle Eastern thought, extending from the earliest 'physical' philosophers, through Plato and Aristotle, to Late Antiquity, and such thinkers as Plotinus and Boethius. Both readable and thought-provoking, it is the fruit of a lifetime's meditation on these topics, and will enlarge the consciousness of all who read it. -- John Dillon, Regius Professor of Greek (Emeritus) at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland * Existentia *
Stephen Clark has written an original and absorbing introduction to ancient philosophy.It is especially notable for the pains Clark takes to situate familiar Greek texts within the larger cultural context of the contemporary Mediterranean world.I would unhesitatingly recommend this book to beginning students and experts alike. -- Lloyd P. Gerson FRSC, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto, Canada
This is a fascinating book that brings to combines the best scholarship of the last 150 years in the production of a more comprehensive and realistic introduction to the ancient Mediterranean world than has been previously possible. It provides a picture larger than Greece, one that ranges from the Mediterraneans pre-history and the confluence of many external perspectives, through Plato and Aristotle, to late ancient thought, particularly Christianity and Neoplatonism. Like all of Stephen Clarks work, this book is a thoroughly original, provocative and yet accessible study that will send its readers back to the evidence/texts to see more for themselves. -- Kevin Corrigan, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Interdisciplinary Humanities at Emory University, USA

Author Bio

Stephen Clark is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, UK. His many book publications include G.K. Chesterton: Thinking Backwards, Looking Forwards (2006), Biology and Christian Ethics (2000), The Political Animal (1999), God, Religion and Reality (1998), Understanding Faith (2009) and Philosophical Futures (2001).