The Greeks and the Irrational

Originating from a series of lectures given at Berkeley in 1949, The Greeks and the Irrational by E. R. Dodds is rightly considered a classic in its field. Throughout these lectures, Dodds challenges the traditional view of Greek culture as a triumph of rationalism and poses the critical question: "Why should we attribute to the ancient Greeks an immunity from 'primitive' modes of thought which we do not find in any society open to our direct observation?" In response, he employs the fields of anthropology and psychology to aid in understanding the Greek mind. Particular notable is Dodds' tracing of Greek anxieties and a sense of guilt, which he links to the loosening of a family structure that imposed absolute obedience. Praised by contemporary reviewers and still discussed 70 years after its publication, Dodds' book is a landmark in the field of Greek studies.

1116862230
The Greeks and the Irrational

Originating from a series of lectures given at Berkeley in 1949, The Greeks and the Irrational by E. R. Dodds is rightly considered a classic in its field. Throughout these lectures, Dodds challenges the traditional view of Greek culture as a triumph of rationalism and poses the critical question: "Why should we attribute to the ancient Greeks an immunity from 'primitive' modes of thought which we do not find in any society open to our direct observation?" In response, he employs the fields of anthropology and psychology to aid in understanding the Greek mind. Particular notable is Dodds' tracing of Greek anxieties and a sense of guilt, which he links to the loosening of a family structure that imposed absolute obedience. Praised by contemporary reviewers and still discussed 70 years after its publication, Dodds' book is a landmark in the field of Greek studies.

27.0 In Stock
The Greeks and the Irrational

The Greeks and the Irrational

by E R Dodds
The Greeks and the Irrational

The Greeks and the Irrational

by E R Dodds

Hardcover

$27.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Originating from a series of lectures given at Berkeley in 1949, The Greeks and the Irrational by E. R. Dodds is rightly considered a classic in its field. Throughout these lectures, Dodds challenges the traditional view of Greek culture as a triumph of rationalism and poses the critical question: "Why should we attribute to the ancient Greeks an immunity from 'primitive' modes of thought which we do not find in any society open to our direct observation?" In response, he employs the fields of anthropology and psychology to aid in understanding the Greek mind. Particular notable is Dodds' tracing of Greek anxieties and a sense of guilt, which he links to the loosening of a family structure that imposed absolute obedience. Praised by contemporary reviewers and still discussed 70 years after its publication, Dodds' book is a landmark in the field of Greek studies.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9798886770254
Publisher: Greenpoint Books, LLC
Publication date: 11/29/2022
Pages: 340
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.88(d)

Table of Contents

IAgamemnon's Apology1
IIFrom Shame-Culture to Guilt-Culture28
IIIThe Blessings of Madness64
IVDream-Pattern and Culture-Pattern102
VThe Greek Shamans and the Origin of Puritanism135
VIRationalism and Reaction in the Classical Age179
VIIPlato, the Irrational Soul, and the Inherited Conglomerate207
VIIIThe Fear of Freedom236
Appendix IMaenadism270
Appendix IITheurgy283
Index315
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews