Olympiodorus: Commentary on Platos Gorgias

by Robin Jackson (Editor)

This book provides a translation of the only surving ancient commentary on Plato's Goroias , written by the Alexandrian Platonist Olympiodorus in the sixth century A.D.
There are substantial notes on the commentary, which assist the reader to understand the context of Olympiodorus' Platonism, the choices available to him as an interpreter, and the special characteristics of his interpretation. A full introduction tackles the issues of greatest interest that arise from the work, including the author's mission as a Hellenist resisting Christian attacks on his discipline. Indices are provided.
The authors show that there is much more of value in this commentary than has often been supposed, and that the differences between Olympiodorus' approach and those of modern commentators are often illuminating.

Genres: Philosophy

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this was fascinating in that Olympiodorus was discussing the Gorgias, it was equally fascinating to see how polytheistic philosophers in Late Antiquity modified their arguments to suit a hostile (either overt or paggro) Christian student body. (It reminds me a lot of how modern-day yoga teachers will explain away mantras, yogic philosophy, and myths because they are trying to be inclusive of Christian students.) It was especially interesting to read the lectures at the end on the myth in the Gorgias, the frequent references to student fees throughout the lectures, and the discussions of the common notions and good human conduct. The footnotes were generally useful.

I did also appreciate the part where Olympiodorus called men and women equal — "18.9. 'Man and woman' (470e10): Man and woman do not differ at all except in the parts [of the body] related to child-bearing. So a woman might often actually be better constituted than a man, so much better as to show manly courage and die [for her country]."