The Origins of Democratic Thinking
The Invention of Politics in Classical Athens

Dr Farrar argues that the development of political theory accompanied the growth of democracy at Athens in the fifth century BC.

Cynthia Farrar (Author)

9780521375849, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 August 1989

312 pages
22.9 x 15 x 1.8 cm, 0.39 kg

'This is an intellectually committed work, informed by a wide and reflective reading in political and ethical theory, Greek history and literature, and ancient philosophy. It will be an indispensable text for anyone attempting to get to grips with either the sophists or Greek political thought.' Phronesis

The ancient Greeks invented democracy. They also invented political theory. This book seeks to show that these were not unrelated achievements. The development of political theory accompanied the growth of democracy at Athens in the fifth century BC. By analysing the writings of Protagoras the sophist, Thucydides the historian, and Democritus the cosmologist in the context of political developments and speculation about the universe, Dr Farrar reveals the existence of a distinctive approach to the characterisation of democratic order, and in doing so demonstrates the virtues of Thucydides' historical conception of politics. Thucydides' history is shown to be an argument for the political force of historical judgement.

Preface
1. Ancient reflections: a force for us
2. Order in autonomy: the ungoverned cosmos and the democratic community
3. Protagoras: measuring man
4. Man's measuring: cosmos and community
5. Thucydides: reflecting history: man and the community
6. Democritus. Reflecting man: man and the cosmos
7. Living democracy?

Subject Areas: Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]