Plato: Laws 10
Translated with an introduction and commentary
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:7th Feb '08
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£20.99(9780199694723)
The Laws is Plato's last and longest dialogue. Although it has been neglected (compared to such works as the Republic and Symposium), it is beginning to receive a great deal of scholarly attention. Book 10 of the Laws contains Plato's fullest defence of the existence of the gods, and his last word on their nature, as well as a presentation and defence of laws against impiety (e.g. atheism). Plato's primary aim is to defend the idea that the gods exist and that they are good - this latter meaning that they do not neglect human beings and cannot be swayed by prayers and sacrifices to overlook injustice. As such, the Laws is an important text for anyone interested in ancient Greek religion, philosophy, and politics generally, and the later thought of Plato in particular. Robert Mayhew presents a new translation, with commentary, of Book 10 of the Laws . His primary aim in the translation is fidelity to the Greek. His commentary focuses on philosophical issues (broadly understood to include religion and politics), and deals with philological matters only when doing so serves to better explain those issues. Knowledge of Greek is not assumed, and the Greek that does appear has been transliterated. It is the first commentary in English of any kind on Laws 10 for nearly 140 years.
the Laws is rewarding reading and offers a great vista of Platos last political and philosophical thoughts... Out of its twelve books, Book 10 is, philosophically, the most important one. Robert Mayhews volume is a valuable resource for those interested in this book, especially for those who are first time readers of the Laws. * Catalin Partenie, Rhizai *
This is a book that anyone seriously interested in Plato's Laws will want to consult... a clear, useful, and judicious examination of a too-long neglected text. I have no doubt that it will both stimulate new interest in Laws 10 and provide a sturdy foundation for further study of it. * Nathan Powers, Notre Dame Philosophical Review *
...this book will prove to be eminently useful to students and scholars of Laws 10, and...to readers of Laws and Plato's other dialogues. * James Wood POLIS *
The translation is overall clear and readable for the Greekless reader. The commentary proceeds section by section, providing helpful divisions and labels, summaries, explanations of important concepts, clarifications of ambiguities and possible confusions, and extensive analyses where necessary... The commentary is sure to become a valubale instrument in further discussions not only of the Laws, but of Plato's attitude to religion and philosophical philosophy. * Dorothea Frede, Phronesis *
ISBN: 9780199225965
Dimensions: 224mm x 145mm x 20mm
Weight: 425g
248 pages