Vorwort
Shows that Homer was a philosophic thinker who played a crucial role in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche.

Autorentext
Peter J. Ahrensdorf is James B. Duke Professor of Political Science and Affiliated Professor of Classics at Davidson College. The author of five books, he has received fellowships from the Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation, the Fulbright Commission, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Klappentext

In this book, Peter Ahrensdorf explores an overlooked but crucial role that Homer played in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche concerning, notably, the relationship between politics, religion, and philosophy; and in their debates about human nature, morality, the proper education for human excellence, and the best way of life. By studying Homer in conjunction with these three political philosophers, Ahrensdorf demonstrates that Homer was himself a philosophical thinker and educator. He presents the full force of Plato's critique of Homer and the paramount significance of Plato's achievement in winning honor for philosophy. Ahrensdorf also makes possible an appreciation of the powerful concerns expressed by Machiavelli and Nietzsche regarding that achievement. By uncovering and bringing to life the rich philosophic conversation among these four foundational thinkers, Ahrensdorf shows that there are many ways of living a philosophic life. His book broadens and deepens our understanding of what a philosopher is.

Inhalt

1. The contest between Homer and Plato and the Homeric education on the gods: from divine to human providence; 2. The Homeric education in human excellence: the suffering hero and the enigmatic singer; 3. Plato's critique of the Homeric education; 4. Machiavelli and Homer on education and human excellence; 5. Nietzsche on the contest between Homer and Plato; Conclusion.