The Greek Imaginary: From Homer to Heraclitus, Seminars 1982-1983

This book offers English translations of Cornelius Castoriadis' earliest surviving lectures on the ancient Greeks, including renowned scholar Pierre Vidal-Naquet's essay "Castoriadis and Ancient Greece" and Castoriadis' previously untranslated essay "Political Thought." The lectures cover topics such as the interconnection between philosophy and democracy, the birth of a self-critical imaginary in early Greek poetry and philosophy, and the development of radical democratic practices in ancient Greece. Castoriadis' interpretations provide fresh insights into the Greek world and its significance for contemporary thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a comprehensive collection of 12 previously untranslated lectures by renowned philosopher Cornelius Castoriadis, spanning from 1982 to 1983. Castoriadis delves into the intricate relationship between philosophy and democracy, exploring how these two aspects emerged within a self-critical imaginary that was already in development in the works of early Greek poets and Presocratic philosophers. With his profound knowledge of the relevant scholarship and his unique interpretation, Castoriadis unveils the genesis of a society that would place its utmost value in constantly questioning its own identity and institutions. He argues that this spirit would ultimately manifest in the twin signatures of the Greek world: radical philosophy, which challenged the established norms and values, and radical democratic practices, which aimed to empower individuals and promote social justice.

Castoriadis' exceptional ability to convey the existential need present in the earliest Greek thinkers allows readers to empathize with their quest to understand the significance of human existence and to actively contribute to shaping its meaning. Unlike any previous interpreter, Castoriadis enables us to experience the profound impact of the Greeks' philosophical and democratic ideals, which continue to inspire and influence contemporary thought.

This collection of lectures provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of ancient Greek philosophy and its enduring relevance to modern society. By presenting Castoriadis' thought in its original form, this book offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474475327
Edition number: 148,435 ed.