Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds

This book provides an engaging overview of influential philosophical schools from the Hellenistic to the Roman period, highlighting key figures and ideas.

In Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds, Peter Adamson presents a captivating exploration of an eight-hundred-year period that shaped some of the most significant schools of thought. From the third century BC to the sixth century AD, he introduces readers to a diverse array of philosophical figures, including Cynics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Stoics, alongside emperors and slaves. Adamson skillfully traces the evolution of early Christian philosophy and ancient science, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and accessible to all readers.

The book features insightful chapters dedicated to major thinkers such as Epicurus, Lucretius, Cicero, Seneca, Plotinus, and Augustine. However, it also delves into lesser-known topics, offering a comprehensive view that goes beyond the familiar. Readers will discover the intriguing Cyrenaic philosophical school, as well as pagan philosophers like Porphyry and Iamblichus. The extensive coverage of Greek and Latin Christian Fathers adds depth to the exploration of ancient philosophy, particularly the competition between pagan and Christian ideologies, with contributions from Jewish thought represented by Philo of Alexandria.

Adamson does not shy away from examining ancient science, with discussions on medicine and the interplay between philosophy and astronomy. He contextualizes the philosophical landscape within the broader historical framework, including the ascetic movement in Christianity and its Hellenic influences. With a blend of humor and depth, Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds captures the essence of later ancient thought, from the witty remarks of Diogenes the Cynic to the profound reflections of Marcus Aurelius and Augustine.