Benjamin Farrington Libri

The book presents four essays exploring ancient Greek thought in relation to its social context. The first essay highlights the practical nature of early Greek science, emphasizing the connection between observation and action. The second examines the impact of societal attitudes towards manual work on the development of medicine, particularly the Hippocratic approach. The third focuses on Stoicism's evolution from an eastern-inspired philosophy to a tool for Roman social cohesion. The final essay contrasts the ideas of Epicurus and Cicero, illustrating the tension between scientific thought and superstition in Roman society.

The book features a foreword by renowned paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, setting the stage for an exploration of evolutionary biology and its implications. It delves into the intricate relationships between species and the processes that drive natural selection. Through engaging narratives and thought-provoking insights, the author challenges conventional views and encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of life's complexities. This work is a compelling blend of science and philosophy, appealing to both enthusiasts and scholars alike.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This book, originally published in 1965, discusses the political implication of the spread of science in antiquity. It reveals how the real Greek spirit of scientific research was crushed by Plato and Aristotle, long thought-of as searchers for truth. Historian such as Polybius and Livey and the poets Pinder and Virgil are seen in a new light when set against this background of social struggle.