PORPHYRY INTRODUCTION CLAP:M PAPER (Clarendon Later Ancient Philosophers)

PORPHYRY INTRODUCTION CLAP:M PAPER (Clarendon Later Ancient Philosophers)

The Introduction to philosophy written by Porphyry at the end of the second century AD is the most successful work of its kind ever to have been published. Porphyry's aim was modest, but he gave highly influential treatments of a number of perennial philosophical questions. Jonathan Barnes presents a complete new English translation, preceded by a substantial introduction and followed by an invaluable commentary, the first to be published in English and the fullest for a century, whose primary aim is to analyze and assess the philosophical theses and arguments which the Introduction puts forward. `Review from previous edition The commentary ... is as richly informed by knowledge of the ancient tradition, as alert to issues of logical interest, and as acute in their discussion, as could be desired ... All through, Barnes gives a refreshing sense of cleaning off the layers of varnish on a cherished heirloom.' Michael Trapp, Times Literary Supplement`Jonathan Barnes has done us a considerable service in his translation of Porphyry's brief but enormously important overview of the basic categories of philosophy, the Introduction ... in this book Barnes has produced a masterful commentary that elucidates the text in terms of philosophy, history and philology.' Sobornost`The commentary achieves much more than mere elucidation of Porphyry's words. It analyses his arguments, tracks down their (mostly Aristotelian) origins, and vigorously pursues their logical and metaphysical implications. Barnes' mastery of the field is breathtaking ... A full-scale English commentary has been long overdue on this text of immense historical importance. What Barnes provides us with is more than that - it is the most complete and authoritative modern work on Porphyry's Introduction to date.' RHIZAI A complete new English translation of Porphyry's famous work, with introduction and commentary Jonathan Barnes is Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the Université de Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV), having previously been Professor at Oxford and Geneva.