From Myth to Reason?

Buxton, R. G. A.

ISBN 10: 0198152345 / ISBN 13: 9780198152347

Published by Oxford University Press, GB, 1999

About this Item

It has often been asserted that Greek civilization underwent a transition from myth to reason. But what does such an assertion mean? And how much truth is there in it? Were the Greeks special in having evolved our sort of reason, or is that a mirage? In this book, some of the world's leading experts on ancient Greek myth, religion, philosophy, and history reconsider these fundamental issues. Among the problems they explore are: the history of the Mythos/Logos opposition; myth and reason in practice; logic(s) of myth; intersections involving myth/philosophy, myth/history, myth/ethnography, and myth/technology. Some contributors are more sceptical than others about whether the myth/reason polarity has any future as a tool for the understanding of Greek society - or any society. But what they all agree on is that a reconsideration of the Greek case can help us to clarify much broader debates, for example the debate about the cross-cultural viability (or not) of myth and reason/rationality.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780198152347

Bibliographic Details

• Title: From Myth to Reason?
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198152345
• ISBN 13: 9780198152347
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 558 grams

About this title

Synopsis

It is often said that Greek civilization underwent a transition from myth to reason. But what does this assertion mean? Is it true? Were the Greeks special in having evolved our sort of reason, or is that a mirage? In this book, some of the world's leading experts on ancient Greek myth, religion, philosophy, and history reconsider these fundamental issues.

About the Author

Richard Buxton is at University of Bristol.