Sextus Empiricus
Sextus Empiricus
<i>Sextus Empiricus' Against the Physicists</i> examines numerous topics central to ancient Greek inquiries into the nature of the physical world, covering subjects such as god, cause and effect, whole and part, bodies, place, motion, time, number, coming into being and perishing and is the most extensive surviving treatment of these topics by an ancient Greek sceptic. Sextus scrutinizes the theories of non-sceptical thinkers, and generates suspension of judgement through the assembly of equally powerful opposing arguments. Richard Bett's edition provides crucial background information about the text and elucidation of difficult passages. His accurate and readable translation is supported by substantial interpretative aids, including a glossary and a list of parallel passages relating <i>Against the Physicists</i> to other works by Sextus. This is an indispensable edition for advanced students and scholars studying this important work by an influential philosopher.
- Provides a clear overview of the often complex and confusing structure of Sextus' argument
- Extensive notes provide background information and help to interpret difficult passages
- Includes a detailed breakdown of the argument listed in its own section and also inserted into the translation
Reviews & endorsements
"...Bett supplements his excellent translation with helpful secondary materials, including a valuable and rich provision of footnotes (over 300) discussing philological and textual as well as philosophical and substantive issues. The result is not only a translation of great fidelity and precision – sure to become the standard – but an edition of Sextus’ work that will benefit both students and scholars interested in ancient physics and skepticism.... Bett has combined a readable yet faithful translation with a conscientious, erudite and intelligent commentary. His edition approaches asymptotically the experience of a philosophically informed encounter with the source text..."
-- Clifford Roberts, Cornell University, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Product details
July 2015Paperback
9781107532274
214 pages
150 × 230 × 10 mm
0.33kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Note on the text and translation
- Outline of argument
- Book 1
- Book 2
- Glossary
- List of names
- Parallels between Against the Physicists and other works of Sextus
- Bibliography.
