Parmenides Publishing USA

With a New Introduction by Luc Brisson

Vlastos' master-question is:"Did the Greeks really discover what we now mean by 'science?' His answer is: "No, but they discovered 'the conception of the cosmos that is presupposed by natural science and by its practice."

A distinguished Platonic scholar discusses the impact of the Greek discovery of the "cosmos" on man's perception of his place in the universe, describes the problems this posed, and interprets Plato's response to this discovery. ... (continue)

A Conversation About Moral Philosophy

Silliman's Sentience and Sensibility achieves a powerful blend: It is at once engaging, learned, and provocative. One is readily swept up in the debate and vigilance for details and nuances is well rewarded. —Joe Cruz, Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Williams College

Sentience and Sensibility is a dialogue that engages a number of issues in moral theory in a rigorous and original manner, while remaining accessible to students and other nonspecialist readers. It accomplishes this by means of the time-honored (if presently dormant) medium of philosophical dialogue, in which its characters actively challenge each other to clarify their ideas and defend their reasoning. In this manner the conversation develops and weighs some proposed solutions, in largely non-technical language, to a number of current and traditional moral problems (including the nature and origin of moral value, the moral status of nonhuman animals, problems of partiality, and other vexed topics).
Moral philosophy and theory can seem as remote and intimidating as everyday ethical matters and moral intuitions are pressing. Sentience and Sensibility proposes that these two should meet. The book’s characters gently challenge each other to clarify their thinking and defend their reasoning, and in this rigorous yet personable manner explore traditional and fresh takes on morality. The conversation aims not only to discover thoughtful answers to such questions, but to do so while being respectful of both philosophical theory and ordinary moral intuitions. ... (continue)

A Riddle Resolved

Decisively alters the status of the question of Plato's 'so-called unwritten teachings,' breaking a new path into textual and conceptual terrain that has gone largely unexplored by modern commentary.

Prior to the publication of Plato’s Late Ontology in 1983, there was general agreement among Plato scholars that the theses attributed to Plato in Book A of Aristotle’s Metaphysics can not be found in the dialogues. Plato’s Late Ontology presented a textually based argument that in fact these theses appear both in the Philebus and in the second part of the Parmenides. The pivotal point of the argument is a number of synonyms for the expressions used by Aristotle in reporting Plato’s views, found in the Greek commentators on Aristotle writing during the 3rd to the 6th Centuries A.D. These synonyms are also used by Plato himself in discussing the theses in question. ... (continue)

A Study of Word, Image, and Argument in the Fragments

A new, revised edition of one of the most important books ever written on Parmenides, including a previously unpublished essay by Gregory Vlastos.

And Other Essays in Plato's Metaphysics

For Plato, God makes the world in the way that a carpenter cuts a board to be exactly a yard long—by applying a yard stick to the board and removing the excess wood. This view of 'a making' requires that there be standards and these are Plato's Forms. ... (continue)

Together With Dialectical Education and Unwritten Teachings in Plato's Statesman

A full interpretation of Plato's brilliant dialogue, addressing the central issues of political rule, of dialectical methodology, and of the metaphysical order through which Plato approaches them.

Abridged Audio Book

–Preformed and Translated By Stanley Lombardo
–Introductions Read By Susan Sarandon

"The most daring, rapid and colloquial translation of Homer's Iliad that I know."—Richard Janko, University College, London

This audiobook contains the most exciting and essential parts of the Iliad, capturing the final 50 days of the Trojan war and bringing to life ancient men and heroic battles. It provides an integral beginning to the infamous journey of Odysseus. ... (continue)

Abridged Audio Book

–Preformed and Translated By Stanley Lombardo
–Introductions Read By Susan Sarandon

"The definitive English version of Homer for our time."
—The Common Review

Here are the most exciting and essential parts of two historic, epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. The ancient words of Homer find a new home in today's world— spoken aloud, just as Homer intended. ... (continue)

Unabridged Audio Book

–Preformed and Translated By Stanley Lombardo
–Introductions Read By Susan Sarandon

"Stanley Lombardo provides a welcome translation, contemporary in its rhythms, assurance, and clarity....this version of the Greek classic sounds honest, intimate, and, most importantly, clear."—AudioFile

The Odyssey tells of the heroic journey of Odysseus after the Trojan war. In his attempt to return home to Ithaca, this ancient hero is faced with obstacle after obstacle, mythic creature after mythic creature. This is an epic poem encompassing an epic journey as famous as it is classic. ... (continue)

Unabridged Audio Book

–Preformed and Translated By Stanley Lombardo
–Introductions Read By Susan Sarandon

"Lombardo's Iliad both sings to 21st century ears and holds true to Homer's original vision; the blind bard would be proud." —Publishers Weekly

The first of Homer's great epic poems, the Iliad portrays the final days of the Trojan war. The Iliad has stood the test of time and is still one of—if not the—best depictions of ancient warfare. It is an essential precursor to the infamous journey of Odysseus. ... (continue)