Reconciling Ancient and Modern Philosophies of History - (Trends in Classics - Pathways of Reception) by Aaron Turner (Paperback)

About the Book

Beyond the disparate observations of Aristotle, Plutarch, and Lucian there survives little documentary evidence pertaining to an ancient philosophy of history. Furthermore, modern progressiveness tends to simplify ancient ideas about the past. A maj

Book Synopsis

The distinction between ancient and modern modes of historical thought is characterized by the growing complexity of the discipline of history in modernity. Consequently, the epistemological and methodological standard of ancient historiography is typically held as inferior against the modern ideal. This book serves to address this apparent deficit. Its scope is three-fold. Firstly, it aims at encountering ancient modes of historical and historiographical thought within the province of their own horizon. Secondly, this book considers the possibility of a dialogue between ancient and modern philosophies of history concerning the influence of ancient historical thought on the development of modern philosophy of history and the utility of modern philosophy of history in the interpretation of ancient historiography. Thirdly, this book explores the continuities and discontinuities in historical method and thought from antiquity to modernity. Ultimately, this volume demonstrates the necessity of re-evaluating our assumptions about the relation of ancient and modern historical thought and lays the groundwork for a more fruitful dialogue in the future.

About the Author

Aaron Turner, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.