Greek Philosophers

Rating:
Summary: Done with Clarity and Simplicity
Review: I've occasionally read up on the ancient Greek philosophers, and it's not an easy subject. This work, though I would have liked to see another twenty pages devoted to each of Plato and Aristotle, concisely explains the basic ideas behind the major figures of that time. Though Guthrie obviously had to be extremely selective in such a small volume, the result is clear and concise, and also quite helpful.

Of particular note is that Guthrie paid close attention to the definition of terms. Rather than quote the relevant philosopher, and then explain what was meant in the passage, he pointed out right in the first chapter that translating two and a half millennium old Greek into modern English is fraught with peril. For this reason he always introduces each important Greek word with a good explanation of just what it meant before continuing with the discussion. This, I think, is particularly well done. In short, I would say Guthrie's The Greek Philosophers is a fine introduction to the field.

Rating:
Summary: Done with Clarity and Simplicity
Review: I've occasionally read up on the ancient Greek philosophers, and it's not an easy subject. This work, though I would have liked to see another twenty pages devoted to each of Plato and Aristotle, concisely explains the basic ideas behind the major figures of that time. Though Guthrie obviously had to be extremely selective in such a small volume, the result is clear and concise, and also quite helpful.

Of particular note is that Guthrie paid close attention to the definition of terms. Rather than quote the relevant philosopher, and then explain what was meant in the passage, he pointed out right in the first chapter that translating two and a half millennium old Greek into modern English is fraught with peril. For this reason he always introduces each important Greek word with a good explanation of just what it meant before continuing with the discussion. This, I think, is particularly well done. In short, I would say Guthrie's The Greek Philosophers is a fine introduction to the field.

Rating:
Summary: worth your money and time
Review: W.K.C Guthrie's brief introduction to the philosophers from Thales through Aristotle provides an outstanding foundation for understanding the essential issues the ancients considered and wrote about. Guthrie provides historical, cultural and linguistic context for their writings with an eye to making things as comprehensible as possible to the modern Western mind. He's more effective at this than anyone else I've read on the subject. In addition, the style is concise, casual, and flows easily.
Overall, a worthwhile book to have.

Rating:
Summary: A brief and concise review of Ancient Philosophy
Review: W.K.C. Guthrie, the famous historian, shows us in this book the essence of Greek philosophy, travelling through the minds of the pre-soctratic thinkers and the birth in Athens of what would become the most unique trio of Wisdom-lovers in history. Prof. Guthrie's account is outstanding and far more profound than most of our century's writers.