Philosophical Orations, Volume II

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: 432 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, or 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 principles that shape our lives.

Maximus' orations are not merely lectures or speeches but rather a tapestry of ideas woven together with wisdom, insight, and rhetorical skill. They serve as a testament to the enduring power of philosophy and the importance of pursuing knowledge and understanding. By presenting his ideas in a concise and accessible manner, Maximus has left a lasting impact on the world of philosophy, inspiring generations of thinkers to explore the depths of human existence and the nature of reality.

In conclusion, Maximus of Tyre was a devoted Platonist whose orations remain a valuable contribution to the world of philosophy. Through his exploration of the philosophical life of virtue, his engagement with the cultural heritage of Hellenic civilization, and his ability to present complex ideas in a concise and accessible manner, Maximus has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and inform contemporary thinkers. This edition of his Philosophical Orations offers a fresh translation, extensive annotations, and a wealth of scholarship to enhance our understanding and appreciation of his work.

Dimension: 162 x 108 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674997578