George Grote on Plato and Athenian democracy
The object of this thesis is to present a critical examination of George Grote's account of Plato and Athenian democracy. The research provides a fresh interpretation of Grote's arguments, and is based on his published works and manuscript unpublished essays. New material is traced concerning the reception and influence of his works on Plato and Athenian democracy in the nineteenth century. Grote is presented as a distinguished classical scholar, and it is suggested that his commitment to utilitarianism did not affect the arguments of his historical writings. Grote's connection with James and John Stuart Mill is also explored. In his time Grote was criticized for being hostile to Plato. Here it is argued that he thought of himself as providing a defence of Plato. This is elaborated by showing that his criticism of Plato forms a part of his conception of Athenian democracy. In a consideration of Grote's appraisal of Athenian democracy within the context of previous works on the subject, emphasis is placed on his unique appreciation of the 'liberal' movement of the fifth century B.C. Grote contrasted Plato's political ideals with the many-sided achievements of the Athenian constitution. However, Grote defended
Demetriou, Kyriacos
Philosophy
George Grote on Plato and Athenian democracy. The object of this thesis is to present a critical examination of George Grote's account of Plato and Athenian democracy. The research provides a fresh interpretation of Grote's arguments, and is based on his published works and manuscript unpublished essays. New material is traced concerning the reception and influence of his works on Plato and Athenian democracy in the nineteenth century. Grote is presented as a distinguished classical scholar, and it is suggested that his commitment to utilitarianism did not affect the arguments of his historical writings. Grote's connection with James and John Stuart Mill is also explored. In his time Grote was criticized for being hostile to Plato. Here it is argued that he thought of himself as providing a defence of Plato. This is elaborated by showing that his criticism of Plato forms a part of his conception of Athenian democracy. In a consideration of Grote's appraisal of Athenian democracy within the context of previous works on the subject, emphasis is placed on his unique appreciation of the 'liberal' movement of the fifth century B.C. Grote contrasted Plato's political ideals with the many-sided achievements of the Athenian constitution. However, Grote defended
george plato athenian democracy object present critical_examination george account plato athenian democracy provide_fresh interpretation argument base publish_work manuscript unpublished essay new material trace concern reception influence work plato athenian democracy present distinguished classical scholar suggest commitment utilitarianism affect argument historical_writing connection james john_stuart_mill also_explore time criticize hostile plato argue think provide defence plato elaborate show criticism plato form_part conception athenian democracy consideration appraisal athenian democracy within_context previous_work subject emphasis_place unique appreciation liberal movement contrast plato political ideal many sided achievement athenian constitution however defend