The Idea of the Good in Platonic-Aristotelian Philosophy

One of this century’s most important philosophers here focuses on Plato’s Protagoras, Phaedo, Republic, and Philebus and on Aristotle’s three moral treatises to show the essential continuity of Platonic and Aristotelian reflection on the nature of the good.

“Well translated and usefully annotated by P. Christopher Smith…. Gadamer’s book exhibits a broad and grand vision as well as a great love for the Greek thinkers.”—Alexander Nehemas, New York Times Book Review “The translation is highly readable.  The translator’s introduction and frequent annotation provide special elucidation on points of doctrinal complexity, giving ample references to other works and rival interpretations.”—Choice“This book is an important addition to the steadily growing number of Gadamer’s works available in English.  In it, we see Gadamer at his best, that is, engaged in the practice of interpreting important texts from the philosophical tradition, and also at his most controversial…. I enthusiastically recommend this…challenging book as one that rewards all efforts to understand the important claims it makes on its readers.”—Francis J. Ambrosio, International Philosophy Quarterly

Hans-Georg Gadamer is professor of philosophy emeritus at the University of Heidelberg.  He is the author of numerous books, including two others translated by Smith: Dialogue and Dialectic: Eight Hermeneutical Studies on Plato and Hegel’s Dialectic: Five Hermeneutical Studies.