Plato's Invisible Cities
Discourse and Power in the Republic
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield
Published:5th Jun '91
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Selected by CHOICE as an Outstanding Academic Book for 1992. This book provides a detailed analysis of one of the most influential philosophical works in the emergence of Western philosophy. Its originality lies in the author's discussion of the political significance of the Republic and of the relationship between philosophy and politics which it advocates. In eloquent, clear language it also examines the different spatial settings of the dialogueódrama, myth, utopia and discourseóand throws new light on the symmetrical structure of the text. The author discusses the Republic in terms of discursive events and political acts. Plato's act is placed in the context of a politico-discursive crisis in Athens at the end of the fifth and the beginning of the fourth century B.C. that gave rise to the dialogue's primary question, that of justice.
...Ophir develops a complex and erudite argument. His excursions into byways of Greek culture (the significance of corpses, the uses of invisibility) are fascinating. His anchoring of Plato's concerns within the crisis-riven fabric of the fifth centurypolis uses brilliantly such concepts as civic space and the gaze (what is seen by whom under what conditions). For readers wishing to reconsider Plato's utopia in the light of this interpretive model, Ophir's book will be a valuable guide. -- Elizabeth Hanson, Stanford University, * CHOICE *
Rich and powerful, with an original and thought-provoking thesis, this book gives weighty testimony to the incredible richness of its subject...Ophir's work needs to be read and reread by serious students of Plato's thought and by those interested in political theory in general...An essential addition to any library serving advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. |CHOICE> * CHOICE *
Rich and powerful, with an original and thought-provoking thesis, this book gives weighty testimony to the incredible richness of its subject...Ophir's work needs to be read and reread by serious students of Plato's thought and by those interested in political theory in general...An essential addition to any library serving advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. |CHOICE * CHOICE *
...Ophir develops a complex and erudite argument. His excursions into byways of Greek culture (the significance of corpses, the uses of invisibility) are fascinating. His anchoring of Plato's concerns within the crisis-riven fabric of the fifth century polis uses brilliantly such concepts as civic space and the gaze (what is seen by whom under what conditions). For readers wishing to reconsider Plato's utopia in the light of this interpretive model, Ophir's book will be a valuable guide. -- Elizabeth Hanson, Stanford University, * CHOICE *
ISBN: 9780389209300
Dimensions: 221mm x 144mm x 20mm
Weight: 417g
211 pages