Productive Knowledge in Ancient Philosophy: The Concept of Techne

This work explores how ancient philosophers understood technê, used it to explain ethics, rhetoric, politics, and cosmology, and discusses themes such as the model status of medicine, the similarities between Plato and Aristotle's conceptions, the role of technê in cosmology, and the adaptability of the criteria to suit different skills.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This extensive work delves into the profound understanding of ancient philosophers regarding productive knowledge, also known as technê, and their utilization of this knowledge to explain various aspects of human existence, including ethics, rhetoric, politics, and cosmology. Spanning eleven chapters, esteemed scholars present a comprehensive exploration of the ancient debates surrounding technê, tracing its origins from the Presocratic and Hippocratic writers to Plato and Aristotle, as well as the Hellenistic age (Stoics, Epicureans, and Sceptics). The journey concludes with the Neoplatonism of Plotinus and Proclus. Within these chapters, a multitude of themes emerge, shedding light on the esteemed status of ancient medicine in defining the political art. The similarities and differences between Plato's and Aristotle's conceptions of technê are examined, highlighting the role of technê as a paradigm for virtue and practical rationality. Technê's profound influence on Platonic cosmology is explored, as well as its intricate relationship with experience and theoretical knowledge. Virtue is portrayed as an art of living, adaptable to suit diverse skills, including philosophy itself. The use of models, deliberation, conjecture, and imagination in productive knowledge is explored, emphasizing their role in shaping understanding and inquiry. This comprehensive study offers a deep and insightful exploration of ancient philosophical thought, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between knowledge, ethics, and the broader realm of human existence.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108485845