The structured self in Hellenistic and Roman thought /

In tandem with its predecessor, Personality in Greek Epic, Tragedy, and Philosophy: The Self in Dialogue (CH, Oct'96, 34-0754), this volume completes the most stimulating and comprehensive discussion available of concepts of the self in classical literature and philosophy. The sequel tells the post-Aristotelian part of the story with a focus on the structure of the self in Stoicism and Epicureanism. Part 1 provides a nuanced reading of Stoic and Epicurean theories about character ideals and personal development, while part 2 explores the complex Stoic account of the passions that prevent most humans from achieving happiness based on virtue. Gill analyzes Hellenistic psychophysical holism against Plato's moral psychology, deftly employing insights in the contemporary philosophy of mind. Part 3 both (1) engages difficult theoretical questions, e.g., what exactly is subjectivity and did it appear in the ancient world?; and (2) examines literary reflections of competing psychological models in Plutarch's Lives, Seneca's plays, and Virgil. This is the rare work of scholarship that deploys historical erudition, literary sensitivity, and analytical precision in pursuit of insights into some of the most intractable questions. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All academic libraries supporting upper-division undergraduates through faculty/researchers. J. Bussanich University of Ottawa