The Routledge Handbook of Hellenistic Philosophy

Hellenistic philosophy is the thought of Epicureans, Stoics, and Skeptics between the death of Alexander the Great and the defeat of the last Greek stronghold. The Routledge Handbook of Hellenistic Philosophy provides accessible yet rigorous introductions to the theories of knowledge, ethics, and physics of these three schools, explores interschool rivalries, and offers insight into their relevance to contemporary issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 474 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Hellenistic period, which followed the reign of Alexander the Great, witnessed the rise of three influential philosophical schools: Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism. These schools emerged as the most prominent thinkers of their time, shaping the intellectual landscape between the death of Alexander in 323 BCE and the fall of the last Greek stronghold in the ancient world in 31 BCE. The Routledge Handbook of Hellenistic Philosophy offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the theories, ethics, and physics of these three schools. It explores the fascinating ways in which interschool rivalries influenced the development of Hellenistic philosophy and sheds light on its relevance to contemporary issues such as environmental ethics, consumerism, and bioethics.

The Handbook is authored by 35 experts from eleven countries, each contributing chapters specifically for this volume. These chapters are organized thematically into six sections:

Epicureanism: This section provides an in-depth exploration of the beliefs, practices, and history of Epicureanism. It examines the influence of earlier philosophical schools such as Aristotle and Socrates on Epicurean thought and discusses the central themes of Epicureanism, including the pursuit of pleasure, the rejection of superstition, and the importance of friendship and social harmony.

Stoicism: Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes the cultivation of self-control, virtue, and wisdom. It focuses on the belief in fate and the natural order of the universe and teaches individuals how to live in harmony with these forces. The section explores the teachings of Stoic philosophers such as Zeno of Citium and Marcus Aurelius and discusses the practical applications of Stoic philosophy in areas such as ethics, politics, and health.

Skepticism: Skepticism is a philosophical movement that challenges the validity of knowledge and the existence of God. It questions the reliability of human senses and the authority of traditional sources of knowledge. The section examines the skepticism of Pyrrhonian philosophers such as Sextus Empiricus and discusses the implications of Skepticism for the development of modern philosophy and science.

Earlier Philosophical Influences: This section explores the philosophical influences on Hellenistic thought, including the works of Aristotle, Socrates, and the Presocratics. It examines the contributions of these thinkers to the development of Western philosophy and highlights the enduring themes and questions that they raised.

The Soul, Perception, and Knowledge: This section examines the nature of the soul, perception, and knowledge in Hellenistic philosophy. It explores the theories of the mind and the body, the relationship between the mind and the external world, and the methods of inquiry used by philosophers to gain knowledge.

God, Fate, and the Primary Principles of Nature and the Universe: This section explores the concept of God in Hellenistic philosophy and the role of fate in the universe. It examines the theories of the Stoics and Epicureans regarding the nature of God and the role of human free will in determining human destiny.

Ethics, Political Theory, Society, and Community: This section examines the ethical and political principles of Hellenistic philosophy and their implications for society and community. It explores the theories of justice, virtue, and the role of government in promoting social welfare and justice.

Hellenistic Philosophy's Relevance to Contemporary Life: This section explores the enduring relevance of Hellenistic philosophy to contemporary life. It examines the themes and questions raised by Hellenistic thinkers and discusses how their ideas can be applied to address contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

The Handbook aims to demonstrate that Hellenistic philosophy has much to offer all thinking people of the twenty-first century. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rich and complex world of Hellenistic philosophy, making it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the origins of Western philosophy and the philosophical traditions that shaped our world.

Weight: 875g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032235592