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Richard D. McKirahan
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Philosophy Before Socrates: An Introduction With Texts and Commentary

by Richard D. McKirahan (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars 9 ratings

Since its publication in 1994, Richard McKirahan's Philosophy Before Socrates has become the standard sourcebook in Presocratic philosophy. It provides a wide survey of Greek science, metaphysics, and moral and political philosophy, from their roots in myth to the philosophers and Sophists of the fifth century. A comprehensive selection of fragments and testimonia, translated by the author, is presented in the context of a thorough and accessible discussion. An introductory chapter deals with the sources of Presocratic and Sophistic texts and the special problems of interpretation they present.

In its second edition, this work has been updated and expanded to reflect important new discoveries and the most recent scholarship. Changes and additions have been made throughout, the most significant of which are found in the chapters on the Pythagoreans, Parmenides, Zeno, Anaxagoras, and Empedocles, and the new chapter on Philolaus. The translations of some passages have been revised, as have some interpretations and discussions. A new Appendix provides translations of three Hippocratic writings and the Derveni papyrus.

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  1. ISBN-10
    0872201767
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0872201767
  3. Publisher
    Hackett Pub Co Inc
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1994
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  7. Print length
    436 pages
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Philosophy Before Socrates: An Introduction with Texts and Commentary
Philosophy Before Socrates: An Introduction with Texts and Commentary
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hackett Pub Co Inc
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 1994
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 436 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0872201767
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0872201767
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 9 ratings

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Richard D. McKirahan

Richard D. McKirahan

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Matthew T. Weflen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous introduction to the material, a great reference source, a page turner!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    Here's what you get: An introduction regarding the history and or life stories of each source. 99% of the existing fragments in McKirahan's own translation. A brief but informative explanation from McKirahan's view of each Philosopher. Rinse, lather, repeat, one chapter for each Pre-Socratic.

    I must disagree with the opinion that McKirahan's prose explanations of the fragments are somehow lacking or overly terse - I find he strikes just the right balance between offering theory and explanations for the fragments and going too far in pressing his view. Particularly deft is the way he frames the Milesian School, the "Eleatic Challenge," and the responses to the challenge thereafter. A very nice framework for understanding the evolution of the thought through time.

    I was spellbound from start to finish. Not only is the source material interesting, engaging, perplexing, inspiring; but the scholarship offered in support of it by McKirahan is balanced, thoughtful, and never overbearing. Because of its logical layout, its brevity, and its clarity, this is the ultimate textbook for any survey of the Pre-Socratics.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Bryan Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2018
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    Excellent
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  • Reader From Aurora
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2007
    Philosophy Before Socrates by Richard McKirahan overviews pre-Socratic Greek philosophers up to and including the Sophists.

    McKirahan's book is crisp and comprehensive providing an accessible scholarly introduction to pre-Socratic thought. Though a survey text , the author rightly highlights the limitations that exist in studying ancient thinkers - a point sometimes overlooked in introductory works. Some readers may also find the cross referencing of documents to other well-known catalogues/indexes such as Diels and Knanz useful.

    One small criticism that might be addressed in a subsequent edition is the handling of the so-called "Eleatic challenge" posed by Parmenides. Given that this challenge and its inherent ramifications are especially relevant to many subsequent thinkers it may warrant more clarification, i.e. if one accepts the notion that non-being is logically unthinkable, a plurality of substances and motion seem to be impossible. It is not a clear concept at first glance and, if not clarified, students may be perplexed about its importance.

    Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers seeking an introduction to pre-Socratic philosophers - it is the best introduction to the subject that I have come across. Folks interested in this area may also enjoy a related free on-line ancient philosophy course offered by Howard Ruttenberg of City University of New York (just google Ruttenberg).
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sanjay C. Patel
    4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent treatment of the pre-Socratics
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2014
    There’s not much that I can add to the detailed reviews of others here. This is a very lucid translation and commentary of various fragments of the pre-Socratics. My only criticism – which is the same that I have of some similar books – is the font style and size. They are not easy to read. Other than that, Excellent!

    Full disclosure: I’m a peer-reviewed researcher on connections between ancient yoga and modern science as well as between ancient yoga and the Bible. ~ Sanjay C Patel, SanjayCPatel.com
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  • Cassie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Heavy Reading, Great Reference
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2002
    This book is not one that I would recommend for free reading, unless you have a strange affinity for ancient presocratic philosophy. However, as a reference book, or a book for learning philosophy, the book ranks among the best. I was introduced to this book in my Philosophy course at UCLA, and this book was an excellent learning tool. The author sets out translated fragments from ancient philosophers and writers, like Parmenides, Aristotle, and Plato. Then, McKirahan does an excellent job of analyzing and explaining the fragments. The book is set up well; it is interesting and makes an EXCELLENT reference book.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • SUNWOO PARK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2015
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    Good
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