Oedipus Plays of Sophocles - Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers and classicists examine Sophocles' treatment of Oedipus, the man who did not know himself, in these new essays. They discuss barriers to self-knowledge and an old man's quest for serenity, and explore the question: is it better not to be born at all, or better, once born, to die young rather than live a long life?

About the author

Paul Woodruff is a professor of philosophy and classics at the University of Texas at Austin. He has published on ancient Greek philosophy, ethics, and philosophy of theater. His recent books include The Necessity of Theater: the Art of Watching and Being Watched (2008), and The Ajax Dilemma: Justice, Fairness, and Rewards (2011).

Summary

Philosophers and classicists examine Sophocles' treatment of Oedipus, the man who did not know himself, in these new essays. They discuss barriers to self-knowledge and an old man's quest for serenity, and explore the question: is it better not to be born at all, or better, once born, to die young rather than live a long life?

Additional text

This is a successful book; the essays are well-written and the contributors have each done a good job in answering the questions they have been set or which they have set themselves ... The philosophical legacies of the Sophoclean Oedipus are manifold and ever proliferating, and this book gives a glimpse into just one of the many ways in which they can and should be explored.

Product details

• Authors: Paul Woodruff, Paul (Distinguished Teaching Professor Woodruff
• Assisted by: Paul Woodruff (Editor), Woodruff Paul (Editor)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.09.2018
• EAN: 9780190669447
• ISBN: 978-0-19-066944-7
• No. of pages: 264
• Series: Oxford Studies in Philosophy and Lit; Oxford Studies in Philosophy and Lit; Oxford Studies in Philosophy a
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; PHILOSOPHY / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / Drama, LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical, Philosophy, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Literary studies: plays & playwrights, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Literary studies: plays and playwrights