Potamo of Alexandria and the Emergence of Eclecticism in Late Hellenistic Philosophy by Myrto Hatzimichali

Potamo of Alexandria and the Emergence of Eclecticism in Late Hellenistic Philosophy by Myrto Hatzimichali

Eclecticism is a concept widely used in the history of ancient philosophy to describe the intellectual stance of diverse thinkers such as Plutarch, Cicero and Seneca. In this book the historical and interpretative problems associated with eclecticism are for the first time approached from the point of view of the only self-described eclectic philosopher from Antiquity, Potamo of Alexandria. The evidence is examined in detail with reference to the philosophical and wider intellectual background of the period. Potamo's views are placed in the context of key debates at the forefront of late Hellenistic philosophical activity to which he contributed, such as the criterion of truth, the first principles in physics, the moral end and the interpretation of Aristotle's esoteric works. The emergence of eclecticism is thus treated in connection with the major shift in philosophical interests and methods that marked the passage from Hellenistic to Imperial philosophy.

'The book is handsomely produced, in keeping with Cambridge's characteristic high standards … well worth the purchase price for all specialists in Hellenistic philosophy' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'This volume helps to rehabilitate 'eclecticism' which for so long has been interpreted in negative terms, at least as far as ancient philosophy is concerned.' Carl O'Brien, The Journal of Hellenic Studies

Myrto Hatzimichali is Leventis Lecturer on the Impact of Greek Culture in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exeter. Her research interests centre on intellectual and cultural history, including ancient philosophy and specifically on how literary and philosophical texts were transmitted, received and professionally studied in the Hellenistic and early Imperial periods. She has contributed papers to volumes on Hellenistic poetry, the history of encyclopaedism and the philosopher Antiochus of Ascalon.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521197281
ISBN 10	0521197287
Title	Potamo of Alexandria and the Emergence of Eclecticism in Late Hellenistic Philosophy
Author	Myrto Hatzimichali
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2011-07-14
Number of pages	208
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable