Protagoras

The most interesting idea proposed by S[ilvermintz] is that Pericles' political volte-face, as he has it, in 462 BC can be laid at Protagoras' door ... an attractive thesis, supported by a fair and reasoned description of the development of democracy in Athens ... I enjoyed this book. * Classics For All Reviews * In this short, elegant, and readable work, Daniel Silvermintz brings alive one of the most elusive and enigmatic thinkers of the ancient world. -- Steven B. Smith, Alfred Cowles Professor of Political Science, Yale University, USA [CC] Piecing together the thoughts of early Greek philosophers can be a challenge. Little of their writing has survived, so scholars must often rely on the testimony of much later philosophers, whose reliability can be suspect. Aware of these challenges, Silvermintz (Univ. of Houston, Clear Lake) provides readers with a useful—albeit very brief—introduction to the life and ideas of Protagoras the Sophist. The book includes three chapters. The first provides an intellectual biography, the second examines Protagoras's political thought and his influence on Athenian political reforms, and the third focuses on Protagoras's esotericism … Silvermintz's book could serve as a useful supplement to introductory courses in ancient philosophy. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. * CHOICE * This short book ... can be recommended for at least three reasons: it is the only available introduction to Protagoras; its style is detailed, but nonetheless enjoyable, which makes it perfect reading for undergraduate students; and, in its final chapter, it offers a fascinating, albeit admittedly ‘speculative’ thesis, which will surely peak the interest of specialists as well. * Journal of Hellenic Studies *