The Greek Tradition in Republican Thought

This book provides a fresh perspective on republican political theory, emphasizing a Greek tradition that values happiness and justice over freedom and political participation.

In The Greek Tradition in Republican Thought, the author explores the profound influence of ancient Greek philosophy on the evolution of republican theory in both Europe and America. This work offers a significant re-evaluation of the conventional narratives that have long dominated discussions about the development of republican political thought from antiquity to modernity. By delving into the intricacies of Greek thought, the book reveals a distinctive strand of republicanism that prioritizes concepts such as happiness (eudaimonia) and justice over the more commonly emphasized notions of freedom and political participation.

The author argues that this Greek tradition diverges from the typical focus on honor and glory, instead advocating for a vision of governance that seeks the well-being of the community. This perspective leads to surprising conclusions, including a willingness to support wealth redistribution and even the abolition of private property. Such ideas were not only present in ancient Greece but also found new life in England during the early sixteenth century, influencing key figures throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Notable proponents of this revived Greek tradition included thinkers like Sir Thomas More, James Harrington, Montesquieu, and Thomas Jefferson. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping the ideological foundations of the American Founding and the English Civil Wars. The Greek Tradition in Republican Thought is a thought-provoking examination that challenges readers to reconsider the historical trajectory of republican political theory.