Philosophies of Work in the Platonic Tradition: A History of Labor and Human Flourishing

The Platonic tradition provides valuable resources for understanding the meaning and value of work, which Jeffrey Hanson explores in his book. He argues that our contemporary vocabulary for appraising labor and its rewards is too narrow and cramped and suggests that we should explain its value for appraising it as an element of a happy and flourishing human life, rather than just its financial rewards. Hanson discusses the ideas of Plato, Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux, Theophilus Presbyter, Petrarch, Martin Luther, John Ruskin, and Simone Weil, and provides practical suggestions for how to approach work in a socially responsible manner in the 21st century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Platonic tradition offers a rich tapestry of ideas for delving into the profound significance and inherent value of work. In this comprehensive historical exploration, Jeffrey Hanson harnesses the insights of the tradition's esteemed thinkers to shed light on why our contemporary lexicon for assessing labor and its rewards remains narrow and constricted. By tracing the lineage of Platonic thought, Hanson compellingly argues that we should approach the valuation of work not solely in terms of its financial rewards but also as an integral component of a fulfilling and thriving human life.

Beginning with Plato's extensive exploration of the relationship between work and wisdom, Hanson delves into the powerful arguments of Augustine, the sole author of the ancient world's sole treatise dedicated to manual labor. He discusses Bernard of Clairvaux, introduces the priest-craftsman Theophilus Presbyter, and provides a comprehensive study of work and leisure in the writings of Petrarch. Alongside Martin Luther, Hanson engages with John Ruskin and Simone Weil, two thinkers deeply troubled by the conditions of the working class in the rapidly industrializing economies of Europe.

This original study of Plato and his inheritors' ideas offers practical guidance for approaching work in a socially responsible manner in the 21st century. It reveals the profound benefits of linking work and morality, fostering a harmonious and ethically-driven approach to our professional endeavors. By embracing the insights of the Platonic tradition, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the role of work in shaping our lives and contributing to the greater good of society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350299467