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Liberty and the Ideals of Greek Paideia
This List Is By:
Andrew Duncan
Assistant to the Director of the Online Library of Liberty Project.
This reading list is a simple introduction to various epic, tragic, and philosophic works in ancient Greek culture that not only help build an understanding, but also construct the thoughts behind the basis for human values and cultural ideals in Greek antiquity.
In reading these selections below, it is therefore encouraged to help initiate a discussion as to what are the basis for the ideas behind Greek culture, and how these ideals affected the political and social structures of the time, as well as our current humanistic ideals of today.
LIB. XVIII. - Homer, The English Works, vol. X (Iliad and Odyssey) [1839]
Homer, The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury; Now First Collected and Edited by Sir William Molesworth, Bart., (London: Bohn, 1839-45). 11 vols. Vol. 10. Chapter: LIB. XVIII.
Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/773/90090 on 2007-12-06
The text is in the public domain.
Aeschylus and early tragedy
Aeschylus’ The Persians is the only one of Aeschylus’ dramatic works where we can view tragedy on a small scale as Aeschylus often produced tragedies in trilogies.
The Persians explores the concept of “destiny upon the soul,” through an historic event.
Aeschylus, The Lyrical Dramas of Aeschylus, translated into English Verse by John Stuart Blackie (London: J.M. Dent, 1906). Chapter: THE PERSIANS A HISTORICAL CANTATA
Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1039/107094 on 2007-12-06
The text is in the public domain.
ANTIGONE. - Sophocles, The Tradegies of Sophocles [1904]
Sophocles, The Tradegies of Sophocles, translated into English prose by Sir Richard C. Jebb (Cambridge University Press, 1904). Chapter: ANTIGONE.
Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1155/94542 on 2007-12-06
The text is in the public domain.
Plato and the Just Man
In Book IV of Plato’s Republic, he discusses the idea of justice in the highest sense and the concept of justice in the soul, as well as what makes man just.
Plato, The Dialogues of Plato translated into English with Analyses and Introductions by B. Jowett, M.A. in Five Volumes. 3rd edition revised and corrected (Oxford University Press, 1892). Chapter: BOOK IV.
Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/767/93810 on 2007-12-06
The text is in the public domain.
Plato and The Parable of the Cave
In Book VII of Plato’s Republic, he gives the parable of The Cave, which has become an idealistic monument to the view of humanity through transformation and enlightenment of the soul.
PP. 214-221 in the facsimile pdf, and #514-522.
Plato, The Dialogues of Plato translated into English with Analyses and Introductions by B. Jowett, M.A. in Five Volumes. 3rd edition revised and corrected (Oxford University Press, 1892). Chapter: BOOK VII.
Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/767/93813 on 2007-12-06
The text is in the public domain.