The Traveler S Guide To Classical Philosophy

A companion for visitors to Greece and Rome, and for armchair travelers as well. John Gaskin unfolds the thinking about nature, life, death, and other worlds that informed the culture and society of the classical world—still visible in today’s cityscapes and archaeological sites—and draws out its relevance and interest for the modern reader. It was the Greeks who first asked and discussed in a rational way two fundamental questions that never cease to concern thinking human beings: what is the nature of the universe, and what can I make of my brief time in it? Their answers, developed between the eighth century BC and the fourth century AD, are still relevant to the modern reader and traveler. The author associates each philosopher and his ideas with a particular tourist destination, and a gazetteer describes the sites and notes the people and ideas connected with them.

In this clear and evocative account, John Gaskin unfolds the thinking about nature, life, death and other worlds that informed the culture and society of the Classical world, drawing out its interest for modern readers. Witty sketches and diagrams enliven the story, which runs from Homeric Greece to the banning of pagan religions in ad 391. The book concludes with a gazetteer describing notable sites and the people and ideas connected with them, making it an ideal companion for visitors to Classical ruins and for all armchair travellers curious to explore life's big questions.

A companion for visitors to Greece and Rome, and for armchair travelers as well. John Gaskin unfolds the thinking about nature, life, death, and other worlds that informed the culture and society of the classical world—still visible in today’s cityscapes and archaeological sites—and draws out its relevance and interest for the modern reader. It was the Greeks who first asked and discussed in a rational way two fundamental questions that never cease to concern thinking human beings: what is the nature of the universe, and what can I make of my brief time in it? Their answers, developed between the eighth century BC and the fourth century AD, are still relevant to the modern reader and traveler. The author associates each philosopher and his ideas with a particular tourist destination, and a gazetteer describes the sites and notes the people and ideas connected with them.

This is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the foundation of Western thought and a unique companion for visitors to Greek and Roman sites. John Gaskin unfolds the thinking about nature, life, death and other worlds that informed the culture and society of the classical world _ still visible in today_s cityscapes and archaeological sites _ and draws out its relevance and interest for the modern reader. The author associates each philosopher and his ideas with a particular tourist destination, and a gazetteer describes the sites and notes the people and ideas connected with them.

Philosophers didn’t always busy themselves with life’s big questions. The earliest ancient philosophers were primarily concerned with the world of nature, including phenomena such as earthquakes and eclipses. But one enigmatic Greek named Socrates began to explore abstract ideas about human existence. What makes us happy? What is the nature of the soul? And what is our purpose in this universe? Professor William Prior elegantly guides readers through philosophy’s formative years and key ancient texts. Organised into four themes - nature, reality, the soul and ethics - Ancient Philosophy: A Beginner’s Guide is a lively introduction to the great thinkers who still send our minds reeling today.

In more than 60 essays by an international team of scholars, this volume explores the full breadth and reach of Greek thought, investigating what the Greeks knew as well as what they thought they knew, and what they believed, invented, and understood about the possibilities of knowing. 65 color illustrations. Maps.

The Christian Travelers Guides deal directly with what even the best general travel guides only touch on: Christianity’s enormous influence on Europe--and, through its history and culture, Europe’s influence on Christianity. This unique series guides you on a pilgrimage to the heart of our Christian heritage. Saints and secularists, martyrs and kings, castles and cathedrals, public squares and rolling hillsides, great works of art, literature, and architecture: The legacy of the Christian faith takes on immediacy and impact as you see firsthand the places where believers through the centuries lived and died, shaping our world with their faith. In rich detail and depth, The Christian Travelers Guide to Italy describes the history, literature, music, art, and architecture of Italy. Nearly 50 Christian Heritage Sites, with fascinating information on different places to visit List of "Top 10 Christian Sites in Italy" Insights for enjoying your visits to Italian churches and cathedrals Sidebars featuring mini-biographies of key historical figures and short essays on great works of art Glossary of religious terms Access The Christian Travelers Guides Website at http://www.christian-travelers-guides.com

The Eleusian mysteries, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Theatre of Dionysus, the labyrinths of Knossos, the Delphic oracle---the book leads us to such sacred sites in the ancient way of spiritual pilgrimage. "The gods have not totally vacated the holy places," says Richard Geldard. "Any 'vacating' has to do with our own lack of awareness." He brings to life the mythology that shaped the brilliance of Greek architecture and art, integrating rare historical material with the most recent archeological data. The result is a specialty guidebook comprehensive enough to be the only one you pack, with commentary on: Major and lesser sites of the palace and temple cultures; Greek drama, philosophy, art, and sculpture; Sacred geometry and architecture; Gallery collections in three major museums. Whether you're an armchair or actual traveler, Traveler's Key opens access to the fabled wisdom enjoyed by pilgrims of old and to the living mythology that still has power to transform lives.