This accessible introduction to religious ethics focuses on the major forms of moral reasoning encompassing the three ‘Abrahamic’ religions: Judaism; Christianity; and Islam. Draws on a range of moral issues; such as examples arising from friendship; marriage; homosexuality; lying; forgiveness and its limits; the death penalty; the environment; warfare; and the meaning of work; career; and vocation Looks at both ethical reasoning and importantly; how that reasoning reveals insights into a religious tradition Investigates the resources available to address common problems confronting Abrahamic faiths; and how each faith explains and defends its moral viewpoints Offering concrete topics for interfaith discussions; this is a timely and insightful introduction to a fast-growing field of interest
#837924 in Books Xenophon 2006-08-29 2006-08-29Original language:Ancient GreekPDF # 1 8.00 x .69 x 5.20l; .47 #File Name: 0140455256304 pagesHiero the Tyrant and Other Treatises
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Some of the earliest extant Greek essaysBy Jordan BellXenophon wrote between 400 and 350 BC; and he is one of the few extant Greek essay writers from this time; two big contemporary writers are Plato and Isocrates; and there are no extant contemporary historians. Xenophon's most famous work is The Expedition of Cyrus (Oxford World's Classics) (translated by Robin Waterfield). He also wrote a history; The Landmark Xenophon's Hellenika; which is the principal source for Greek political history between Thucydides and Arrian. Other works are Conversations of Socrates (Penguin Classics) (which contains The Estate-Manager); The Education of Cyrus (Agora Editions); and Xenophon VII (Hiero. Agesilaus. Constitution of the Lacedaemonians. Ways and Means. Cavalry Commander. Art of Horsemanship. On Hunting. Constitution of the Athenians) Loeb Classical Library. I think that the above together with this Penguin edition contain English translations of all Xenophon's extant writings.Essays like "How to be a good cavalry commander" and "On horsemanship" are useful sources for Greek military history. The essay "On hunting" both tells the historian about Greek hunting techniques and is also a rich source for the history of Greek education. "Ways and means" is probably the oldest Greek text about public finance.The translations by Waterfield are first rate; like all his work.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Peace and prosperityBy Luc REYNAERTXenophon is a clever classical writer. For him; there are two sorts of people: `those who work and those who live on the products of others' work.' Or; `a policy of not initiating unjust wars would enable us to punish our enemies far more quickly; because they would not find anyone to come and support their cause.'While `Agesilaos' is a hagiography of a Spartan king; `a superman of self-restraint'; an example of a perfect ruler; not a cruel tyrant;and; `How to be a good cavalry commander' contains some good devices: a good commander should be better than his men in executing the tasks he ordered them to do; otherwise he is despised; or; `deceit is your most valuable asset in war'.`Hiero the Tyrant' and `Ways and Means' are superb texts.Hiero complains that a tyrant `spends all his time as if he has been condemned to death by the whole human race for his iniquity.' But; why doesn't he willingly give up his position? The answer is simple: `How could a tyrant ever raise enough money to pay back in full the people he stole from? How could he recompense all the people he put to death?' `I think that the only person who might profit by hanging himself is a tyrant.'!!For Xenophon; what a tyrant should do is manage the State in the interest of the people; not of himself and his cronies; and enhance the power of his community; not of himself.`Ways and Means' is an important text for two reasons. First; the all importance of peace: `The State's funds were enormously increased in times of peace and completely drained in times of war.'Secondly; Xenophon shows us the major importance of silver mines for Athens; not only for the cash it generated; but also for the `huge numbers of men working in the mines; in fact; there was always more work than there were workers.'Xenophon was a proto-Keynesian; pleading for direct State intervention. For him; the State should imitate private entrepreneurs by exploiting itself directly some of its mine concessions. He is also one of the first true economists; explaining the laws of supply and demand; the advantage of pooling capital (risk management) and the multiplier effect.This superbly translated book; with excellent introductions and notes; is a must read for all those interested in the history of mankind.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Review of Waterfield's XenophonBy Ryan MeaseI really enjoyed this collection of Xenophon's works. It contains many of his smaller treatises (and many extraneous pieces) collected together in one volume. The translations are of course readable; and the introductions to each work are excellent. I absolutely give credit to Paul Carteledge in this matter; he knows his Spartans. My one complaint: endnotes instead of footnotes.
