Philosophy at the Gymnasium

by: Kenyon, E.

Price: 39,00 EURO

1 copy in stock

Philosophy at the Gymnasium
by Erik Kenyon

Philosophy at the Gymnasium returns Greek moral philosophy to its original context—the gyms of Athens—to understand how training for the body sparked training for the mind. The result is an engaging inroad to Greek thought that wrestles with big questions about life, happiness, and education, while providing fresh perspectives on standing scholarly debates.

In Philosophy at the Gymnasium, Erik Kenyon reveals the egalitarian spirit of the ancient gym, in which clothes—and with them, social markers—are shed at the door, leaving individuals to compete based on their physical and intellectual merits alone. The work opens with Socratic dialogues set in gyms that call for reform in character education. It explores Plato's moral and political philosophy through the lens of mental and civic health. And it holds up Olympic victors as Aristotle's model for the life of happiness through training.

Contents

Part I: Setting Goals with Socrates
1. Bravery: Laches
2. Discipline: Charmides
3. Friendship: Lysis
4. Justice: Republic 1
5. Wisdom: Apology
Part II: Personal Training with Plato
6. Drinking Games: Symposium172a-199c
7. Mysteries of Love: Symposium199c-212c
8. Music, Gymnastics, and Moral Development: Republic 2–4
9. Women at the Gym: Republic 5–7
10. Justice as Civic and Mental Health: Republic 8–10
Part III: Aristotle's Elite Performers
11. A Sketch of the Good Life: NE 1
12. Training: NE 2–3
13. Greatness of Spirit: NE 4
14. Sportsmanship and Thinkingon One's Feet: NE 5–6
15. Enjoying Discipline: NE 7
16. Gym Buddies: NE 8–9
17. Aspiring to Immortality: NE 10
Epilogue: Greek Philosophy beyondthe Gym 1

Erik Kenyon received his PhD from Cornell University in classics. He is a philosopher, musician, and weightlifter, who teaches Latin and humanities at Friends Academy, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He is the author of Augustine and the Dialogue and a coauthor of Ethics for the Very Young.

Erik Kenyon integrates important topics from contemporary student life with ideas and insights from ancient Greek culture to create an upbeat, engaging commentary that can be read on its own or alongside classical texts.

Heather L. Reid, author of The Philosophical Athlete
In a deeply reflective way, Kenyon looks closely at the relationships between philosophy in the ancient classroom and training in the ancient gym and between a sound mind and a sound body. Philosophy at the Gymnasium helps anyone asking life's big questions about ethics, character, purpose, and true happiness make progress in answering those questions for themselves.

Mike Austin, author of Humility and Human Flourishing
Philosophy at the Gymnasium is a remarkably clear, engaging, and intriguing guide to some of the most exciting ideas of ancient Greek philosophy. Kenyon both carefully situates these philosophical ideas in their historical, religious, and literary contexts and masterfully highlights their valuable insights into our contemporary lives.

Elizabeth Schiltz, College of Wooster

Philosophy at the Gymnasium

by: Kenyon, E.

• ISBN-13: 9781501776755
• ISBN-03: 1501776754
• Cornell University Press, , 2024

Price: 39,00 EURO

1 copy in stock