The Relay Race of Virtue: Plato's Debts to Xenophon

William H. F. Altman

The Relay Race of Virtue: Plato's Debts to Xenophon
Format
Hardback
Publisher
State University of New York Press
Country
United States
Published
1 November 2022
Pages
384
ISBN
9781438490915

The Relay Race of Virtue: Plato’s Debts to Xenophon

William H. F. Altman

This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The ancient view that Plato and Xenophon were rivals at least had the merit of allowing them to respond to each other; in modern times, the view that Plato wrote first eliminates the possibility of an exchange between the only two Socratics whose writings are preserved intact. Challenging the chronological assumptions on which Plato’s across-the-board priority currently rests, the purpose of The Relay Race of Virtue is to show that Plato and Xenophon were responding to each other and that we can gain a greater appreciation for both by recognizing the back-and-forth nature of their friendly dialogue. Instead of regarding Xenophon as Plato’s inept copyist, William H. F. Altman presents him as first blazing the trail for his fellow Socratic and then learning from Plato in return. By emphasizing Plato’s Debts to Xenophon, Altman is charitable to both, justifying Socrates’ belief (Memorabilia 1.2.8) that those of his companions who adopted his principles of conduct would throughout life be good friends to him and to each other.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 7-14 days

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.