Melissa Lane (1)

Such little guides/introductions are always convenient and helpful to refresh one's memory or acquire new knowledge about the past or about events in the past that influence the presence. In this case, an overview of a selection (!) of Greek and Roman political ideas/aspects/visions, otherwise the book would have been much thicker, of course.

00) Introduction: Possibilities of Power and Purpose
01) Justice
02) Constitution
03) Democracy
04) Virtue
05) Citizenship
06) Republic
07) Sovereignty
08) Futures of Greek and Roman Pasts

The first five chapter focus largely, if not entirely, on Greek politics, Greek societies. The introduction mentioned that the Romans based their politics for a large part on the Greek ideas, yet gave them an own twist over the years. The last chapters then treat the Roman view on politics.

Treating such a subject involves taking into account what the more famous persons did: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Scipio, Gaius, Augustus, and so on. It's interesting to read how concepts of the past still are applied today. How it's a never-ending wheel/cycle. How one nation has one kind of vision for itself, yet propagates another (contrasting) vision abroad. Money makes the world go around.

As it's a small guide, several topics or details were not treated, but that was not part of the scope. As it is, and especially when one wants a brief refresh, this is a good step-up to more detailed and worked out books.

Next to the obligatory notes, you'll find a list with brief biographies of key persons, events and places, as well as a list of abbreviations and references. And I'd almost forget the maps and timelines.

Mind you, do read this little guide with attention, as the writing style is fairly heavy. While I like such a style, I don't recommend you read this when you're getting tired. ;-)… (plus d'informations)

In this provocative and accessible reflection on the potential contributions of Platonic political thought to the resolution of contemporary environmental problems, Lane (Princeton) attempts to craft “an intuitive and imaginative model inspired by the ancients” (p. 6). As a work in political theory, the book offers new insights into Plato and contemporary debates regarding climate change as well. The book is divided into three coherent parts, each focusing on a central aspect of her interpretation. Part one is devoted to inertia, a critique of the limitation of our current approaches to everyday life and the environment. Instead of a simple refutation of current attitudes, Lane argues for improvement, suggesting the West can be “saved from itself” (p. 43). Part two addresses how an improvement in our thinking about politics and society through a revitalized imagination can help offer new approaches to resolving environmental dilemmas. Her use and explication of a moral imagination would have benefitted greatly from the integration of the work of a greater variety of theorists. Lane’s erudite integration of Plato’s Republic is a significant accomplishment. Part three deals with initiative, or how we can respond to change. Lane argues that we must change, but how we respond to the change is the most important consideration.… (plus d'informations)