Power and Knowledge: Astrology, Physiognomics, and Medicine under the Roman Empire (The Body, In Theory: Histories Of Cultural Materialism) - Softcover
Power and Knowledge charts a history of three ancient scientiae in the Roman Empire--astrology, medical prognosis, and physiognomy (the art of discerning character or destiny from a person's physique). Drawing on contemporary approaches in social theory and the philosophy of science, Tamsyn Barton argues that the ancient sciences are best understood in terms of rhetoric, as their practitioners are involved in sociopolitical struggles and their disciplines are rooted in Greco-Roman cultural norms and practices.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
"By systematically tracing the by now familiar methods of establishing expertise and maintaining 'one-upsmanship' in the writings of Galen, B[arton] indeed succeeds in putting to rest the distinction between ancient 'science' and 'pseudo-science' and, at the same time, in giving a lively and many-faceted picture of intellectual power-struggles in the High Empire."
—Veronika Grimm, Journal of Roman Studies
(Veronika Grimm Journal of Roman Studies 1999-04-01)
"Until recently, little attention has been paid to the fortunes of the art of physiognomy between the Hellenistic and Renaissance periods. Barton's impressive, and in many ways provocative, study remedies that neglect."
—Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
(Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 1999-04-01)
". . . uses its case-studies to establish a new benchmark in studies of ancient knowledge—and very effectively, too. I have never read a better historiographical introduction, and Barton uses the idea of knowledge as rhetoric—borrowing judiciously from the philosophy and sociology of science, along with Foucaldian genealogy—to illuminate not only how power-relations produced knowledge-as-truth, but also the reverse. With elegance and economy, this approach works equally well with both the ancient era, her primary subject-matter, and the current intellectual context of such a study."
—Patrick Curry, Times Literary Supplement
(Patrick Curry Times Literary Supplement 1999-04-01)
—Veronika Grimm, Journal of Roman Studies
(Veronika Grimm Journal of Roman Studies 1999-04-01)
"Until recently, little attention has been paid to the fortunes of the art of physiognomy between the Hellenistic and Renaissance periods. Barton's impressive, and in many ways provocative, study remedies that neglect."
—Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
(Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 1999-04-01)
". . . uses its case-studies to establish a new benchmark in studies of ancient knowledge—and very effectively, too. I have never read a better historiographical introduction, and Barton uses the idea of knowledge as rhetoric—borrowing judiciously from the philosophy and sociology of science, along with Foucaldian genealogy—to illuminate not only how power-relations produced knowledge-as-truth, but also the reverse. With elegance and economy, this approach works equally well with both the ancient era, her primary subject-matter, and the current intellectual context of such a study."
—Patrick Curry, Times Literary Supplement
(Patrick Curry Times Literary Supplement 1999-04-01)
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- PublisherUniversity of Michigan Press
- Publication date2002
- ISBN 10 0472088521
- ISBN 13 9780472088522
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages272
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Power and Knowledge (Paperback)
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The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor
(2002)
ISBN 10: 0472088521
ISBN 13: 9780472088522
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Power and Knowledge charts a history of three ancient scientiae in the Roman Empire astrology, medical prognosis, and physiognomy (the art of discerning character or destiny from a person's physique). Drawing on contemporary approaches in social theory and the philosophy of science, Tamsyn Barton argues that the ancient sciences are best understood in terms of rhetoric, as their practitioners are involved in sociopolitical struggles and their disciplines are rooted in Greco-Roman cultural norms and practices. Offers insight into the relationship between knowledge and power in ancient times--and science and politics in our own Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780472088522
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