On the daimonion of Socrates - Human liberation, divine guidance and philosophy

Plutarch's dialogue "On the daimonion of Socrates" is a unique combination of exciting historical romance and serious philosophical and religious discussion: A narrator from Boeotian Thebes tells his Athenian friend how Thebes was liberated from Spartan domination in a fateful night of midwinter 379/8 BC and connects this with the retelling of a fascinating philosophical discussion about the famous daimonion of Socrates in the afternoon and evening before. Besides presenting an introduction, a revised Greek text, and a new English translation (with copious notes), the volume offers a range of essays on themes providing further insights into this masterly literary piece: on the historical, religious and philosophical background and on thematic connections with other works by Plutarch.

About the author

Plutarch (ca. 45-125 n. Chr.) stammte aus einer wohlhabenden Familie in Chaironeia, Böotien. Er studierte Philosophie in Athen. Reisen nach§Kleinasien, Alexandria und Rom unterbrachen seine beschauliche Gelehrtenexistenz in der Provinz. Er war ein äußerst produktiver Schriftsteller, der neben den berühmten Biographien Schriften populärphilosophischen Inhalts und zu Fragen des alltäglichen Lebens verfasste.

Donald Russell taught ancient literature at St John's College, Oxford for many years, and is one of the world's best known scholars in the fields of ancient criticism and rhetoric. He has been a Fellow of the British Academy since 1971.

Product details

• Authors: George et al Cawkwell, Plutarc, Plutarch, Donal Russell
• Assisted by: Heinz-Günthe Nesselrath (Editor), Heinz-Günther Nesselrath (Editor)
• Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.12.2009
• EAN: 9783161501371
• ISBN: 978-3-16-150137-1
• No. of pages: 225
• Weight: 328 g
• Series: Scripta Antiquitatis Posterioris ad Ethicam Religionemque pertinentia (SAPERE); Scripta Antiquitatis Posterioris ad Ethicam Religionemque pertinentia (SAPERE); Scripta Antiquitatis Posterioris ad Ethicam REligionemque pertinentia
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > Antiquity