Greek popular morality in the time of Plato and Aristotle

Kenneth J. Dover

"This book is concerned with the predominant moral concepts and attitudes expressed or implied in non-philosophical literature written during the time of Plato and Aristotle. Oratory and comedy are treated as the primary evidence, but reference is also made to Sophocles, Euripides, Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon and other earlier and later sources. The topics discussed are those suggested not by the framework of ancient concepts or ancient terminology, but by modern attitudes to morality. This consideration has also determined the development of the discussion; and the author sometimes draws contrasts and comparisons with modern religious, social or legal principles. This approach -- together with the fact that no knowledge of Greek is presupposed on the reader's part -- ensures the appeal of this volume not only to the academic but also to the more general reader." -- Provided by publisher