Xenophanes of Colophon

This insightful examination of Xenophanes of Colophon reveals his philosophical contributions and challenges to traditional beliefs, making ancient thought accessible to modern readers.

In this book, James Lesher provides a comprehensive examination of the Greek texts of all the surviving fragments of Xenophanes' teachings. Featuring an original English translation on facing pages, the work is accompanied by detailed notes and commentaries that illuminate the philosophical questions raised by Xenophanes' insights. This dual-language format allows readers to engage with the original language while also grasping the nuances of the translation.

Xenophanes of Colophon, a philosophical poet who lived during the late sixth and early fifth centuries BC, is portrayed as a significant thinker in this account. The book not only includes English translations of all the ancient testimonia relating to his life and teachings but also discusses the challenges these testimonia present in achieving a coherent interpretation of his philosophy. This exploration reveals the depth of Xenophanes' critiques of popular religious beliefs and his reflections on nature.

The Xenophanes of Colophon that emerges from Lesher's work is a moral critic and a reflective student of the natural world. He is perhaps the first to question the validity of knowledge regarding divine matters and the fundamental forces in nature. This volume is part of the Pheonix series, which aims to make significant Presocratic writings accessible to those interested in ancient philosophy and the early stages of European natural science. The updated paperback edition also includes a revised bibliography for further study.