Aristotelianism in the First Century BCE: Xenarchus of Seleucia
Cambridge University Press, 12/15/2011
EAN 9780521876506, ISBN10: 0521876508
Hardcover, 240 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm
Language: English
This book is a full study of the remaining evidence for Xenarchus of Seleucia, one of the earliest interpreters of Aristotle. Andrea Falcon places the evidence in its context, the revival of interest in Aristotle's philosophy that took place in the first century BCE. Xenarchus is often presented as a rebel, challenging Aristotle and the Aristotelian tradition. Falcon argues that there is more to Xenarchus and his philosophical activity than an opposition to Aristotle; he was a creative philosopher, and his views are best understood as an attempt to revise and update Aristotle's philosophy. By looking at how Xenarchus negotiated different aspects of Aristotle's philosophy, this book highlights elements of rupture as well as strands of continuity within the Aristotelian tradition.
Introduction
1. Xenarchus
the man, his work, and his influence in antiquity
2. Texts, translations, and notes
Conclusion
Appendix. Vestiges of Xenarchus in the Middle Ages.
"Andrea Falcon's splendid new work on one of Aristotle's ancient Greek followers, Xenarchus, offers an elegant example of the potential for the commentary format to address larger questions than the ideas of a single author.... . This is an excellent volume by a thoughtful and careful scholar sensitive to philosophical as well as historical issues..." --Aestimatio