Retrieving the Ancients: An Introduction to Greek Philosophy by David RoochnikMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. It is surprisingly in-depth for its length (278 pages), avoids jargon, and is never overly technical. Roochnik’s writing is clear and concise, he keeps the exposition grounded and readable throughout.
Roochnik makes Aristotle the hero of the story. Roochnik sees Aristotle as bringing together positive elements from the pre-Socratics and Plato to craft a philosophical approach that provides a moderate approach that can a ground a life-well lived in an understandable world. To tell this story, Roochnik starts with the Pre-Socratics and how these first Greek philosophers start asking new kinds of questions and providing new kinds of answers. He then turns to Plato and the Socratic shift to a focus on human excellence and the Socratic question of “What is it?” He then closes with Aristotle, showing how he brings these threads to an apotheosis. Roochnik acknowledges that a lot of Aristotle’s approach won’t or can’t work in a modern context but pleads his case that studying Aristotle and his predecessors is something essential for a modern person to better understand themselves and their place.
There is an epilogue that briefly discusses various Hellenistic or Post-Aristotelian thinkers, covering quickly the Stoics, Cynics, and Epicureans.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in philosophy, particularly the ancients.
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