The Greeks and the Irrational
The Greeks and the Irrational
Book Brief
Beta327
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient Greece
1962
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Greeks and the Irrational, E.R. Dodds explores the role of irrational elements in ancient Greek culture, challenging the view of Greeks as strictly rational thinkers. Dodds examines myths, religion, and social practices, highlighting how emotions and superstitions intertwined with rational thought in shaping Greek society and intellectual life.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
1,008 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Greeks and the Irrational by E.R. Dodds is praised for its groundbreaking exploration of Greek culture's mystical elements, challenging the rationalist view. Positively noted for its insightful analysis and scholarly rigor, some find its dense prose a challenge. The book remains influential, sparking rich dialogue on Greek thought's complexity.
Who Should Read The Greeks and the Irrational?
Enthusiasts of ancient philosophy and mythology who appreciated Jane Ellen Harrison's Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion or Sir James Frazer's The Golden Bough would enjoy E.R. Dodds' The Greeks and the Irrational for its exploration of the irrational aspects of Greek culture through a scholarly lens.
1,008 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Published in 1951, The Greeks and the Irrational by E.R. Dodds explores the influence of irrational elements like emotions, instincts, and beliefs on ancient Greek thought and culture.
The book is notable for its innovative interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from anthropology, psychology, and classical studies to analyze the ancient Greeks' understanding of their own irrational behaviors.
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E.R. Dodds challenges the traditional notion of ancient Greece as a purely rational civilization by highlighting the complex interaction between reason and non-rational forces in Greek society.
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327
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient Greece
1962
Adult
18+ years
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