Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy
Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche

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

Peter J. Ahrensdorf (Author)

9781107561977, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 August 2024

334 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 2.2 cm, 0.55 kg

'… this is a challenging reimagining of the relationships between key thinkers in the tradition of political thought. Taken together, these interpretations make for a very good volume and one that will likely be a valued contribution to the field of political theory and literature.' Seaver Holter, The Review of Politics

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD], Western philosophy: Medieval & Renaissance, c 500 to c 1600 [HPCB], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]