Liberation and Authority: Plato's Gorgias, the First Book of the Republic, and Thucydides

Plato's Gorgias, the First Book of the Republic, and Thucydides' History discuss the breakdown of an older ethical order, leading to a subjective spirit that seeks to liberate itself from limits. Thorne argues that these works provide complementary reflections on a development relevant to our own time, highlighting the interconnection of logic and literary detail in each work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Liberation and Authority: Plato's Gorgias, the First Book of the Republic, and Thucydides

In their exploration of the concept of authority and liberation, Plato's Gorgias, the First Book of the Republic, and Thucydides offer a comparative analysis that reveals striking similarities in their treatment of the subject matter. While the oft-cited "natural justice" of characters such as Callicles, Thrasymachus, and the Melian Dialogue is a common thread linking these works, they also share a profound development that runs throughout each piece.

Nicholas Thorne, in his insightful interpretation, argues that all three works provide an account of the collapse of an older ethical order, leading to the emergence of a subjective spirit that seeks to liberate itself from all constraints on its own activity. This pursuit of liberation is a central theme that permeates each work, shaping its narrative and shaping the characters' motivations.

Plato's readings of these texts offer a fresh perspective on each work, highlighting the intricate interplay between the logical structure of the arguments and the rich literary detail. Through his meticulous analysis, Plato reveals how the logic of the arguments is inextricably bound up with the artistic elements of the works, including their structure.

In Thucydides, the account presented argues for certain new interpretive concepts, such as the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This notion challenges traditional perspectives and offers a fresh way of understanding complex phenomena. At the same time, Thucydides also provides a new look at familiar theses, such as the three-step structure that runs through the entirety of the work.

Taken together, these works provide complementary reflections on a development that remains profoundly relevant to our own time. They remind us of the ongoing struggle between authority and liberation, and the complex dynamics that shape human societies and societies. By exploring these works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the challenges we face in our pursuit of a just and equitable world.

Weight: 617g
Dimension: 228 x 164 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793639042