Philosophical Orations, Volume I

Maximus of Tyre was a Platonist who wrote forty-one brief addresses on ethical, philosophical, and theological topics, inviting his audience to share in his knowledge and pursue philosophy. This edition offers a fresh translation, annotation, and text informed by current scholarship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Maximus of Tyre, a passionate Platonist who lived in the latter half of the second century AD, left behind a sole surviving work, consisting of forty-one concise addresses on a wide range of ethical, philosophical, and theological subjects. These addresses, often referred to as orations, defy precise generic categorization due to their fluid and hybrid style, which encompasses discourses, speeches, lectures, talks, inquiries, essays, and even sermons. In his orations, Maximus aimed to explore the philosophical life of virtue, drawing inspiration from the example of Socrates and the writings of Plato. He invited his audience, often addressed as young men, to partake in his knowledge, appreciate his unique presentation of philosophical topics, and even join him in pursuing philosophy.

Maximus drew upon the rich cultural heritage of Hellenic civilization, spanning from Homer to the reign of Alexander the Great. Within the context of the Second Sophistic era, he presented a comprehensive collection of renowned philosophical, literary, and historical figures, events, ideas, successes, and failures that formed the essence of Greek paideia. This edition of Maximus' Philosophical Orations presents a fresh translation, extensive annotations, and a text fully informed by the latest scholarship.

Maximus' orations offer a profound exploration of the human condition, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of divinity, the immortality of the soul, the sources of good and evil, the injustice of vengeance, the tyranny of pleasures and desires, the contribution of the liberal arts, and the pursuit of happiness. Through his engaging and accessible style, Maximus invites his audience to engage in philosophical inquiry and to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of their lives.

Maximus' orations are not merely lectures but rather dialogues, as he engages with his audience and encourages them to participate in the philosophical discourse. He poses questions, challenges assumptions, and offers insights that provoke thought and reflection. His orations are a testament to the enduring power of philosophy and the importance of pursuing knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, Maximus of Tyre was a devoted Platonist whose orations remain a valuable contribution to the philosophical tradition. Through his concise and insightful addresses, he sought to elucidate the philosophical life of virtue, inspire his audience to pursue knowledge, and engage in ethical and philosophical reflection. This edition of his Philosophical Orations provides a fresh translation, extensive annotations, and a comprehensive introduction to his thought, making his work accessible to a wider audience and promoting the enduring legacy of his philosophical ideas.

Dimension: 162 x 108 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674997561