Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche

Peter Ahrensdorf's book explores Homer's overlooked role in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche, demonstrating that Homer was a philosophical thinker and educator. He shows how Plato's critique of Homer and Machiavelli and Nietzsche's concerns expressed a rich philosophic conversation among these four foundational thinkers, broadening and deepening our understanding of what a philosopher is.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Peter Ahrensdorf delves into an often overlooked yet pivotal aspect of Homer's influence on the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche. Through his exploration, he highlights the significance of Homer in their discussions regarding politics, religion, philosophy, and human nature, morality, education, and the ideal way of life. By examining Homer in conjunction with these influential political philosophers, Ahrensdorf establishes that Homer himself was a philosophical thinker and educator. He presents a comprehensive analysis of Plato's critique of Homer, emphasizing the profound impact of Plato's achievement in elevating philosophy to honor. Moreover, Ahrensdorf sheds light on the profound concerns expressed by Machiavelli and Nietzsche regarding Plato's legacy. By uncovering and revitalizing the rich philosophical dialogue among these four foundational thinkers, Ahrensdorf demonstrates that there are diverse paths to living a philosophic life. His book not only broadens our understanding of what a philosopher is but also enriches our comprehension of the philosophical discourse that has shaped our world.

Weight: 661g
ISBN-13: 9781107124707