Philosophy at the Gymnasium - by Erik Kenyon (Paperback)

About the Book

"Philosophy at the Gymnasium sets Greek moral philosophy in its original context-Athenian gyms-to understand how training for the body sparked training for the mind. It explores Socratic dialogue set in gyms, civic and mental health in Plato's works, and Olympic victors as Aristotle's model for the happy life"--

Book Synopsis

Philosophy at the Gymnasium returns Greek moral philosophy to its original context--the gyms of Athens--to understand how training for the body sparked training for the mind. The result is an engaging inroad to Greek thought that wrestles with big questions about life, happiness, and education, while providing fresh perspectives on standing scholarly debates.

In Philosophy at the Gymnasium, Erik Kenyon reveals the egalitarian spirit of the ancient gym, in which clothes--and with them, social markers--are shed at the door, leaving individuals to compete based on their physical and intellectual merits alone. The work opens with Socratic dialogues set in gyms that call for reform in character education. It explores Plato's moral and political philosophy through the lens of mental and civic health. And it holds up Olympic victors as Aristotle's model for the life of happiness through training.

Review Quotes

Philosophy at the Gymnasium can significantly contribute to both the philosophy of sport and education... it offers not only insightful reflection on the role of gymnasiums in antiquity but also invites us to reconsider the ancient Greek world when assessing the educational and social significance of athletic environments in contemporary society, as it can provide us with broader perspectives.

-- "Precollege Philosophy and Public Practice"

[Kenyon] clearly and concisely explains the key ideas and arguments of each text while maintaining a surprising level of depth and detail. His accounts of historical, cultural, and linguistic context are rich and absorbing.

-- "History: Review of New Books"

About the Author

Erik Kenyon received his PhD from Cornell University in classics. He is a philosopher, musician, and weightlifter, who teaches Latin and humanities at Friends Academy, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He is the author of Augustine and the Dialogue and a coauthor of Ethics for the Very Young.