Description
"The arguments for the authenticity of the Letter of Speusippus are re-evaluated. In what is a radical reassessment, it is argued that the letter is best interpreted in the context of events that took place during the reign of Perdiccas III. The 31st Socratic letter (likely to be a genuine work of Plato) provides evidence of Plato's involvement in Macedonian affairs in the late 360's, an involvement that resulted in the hostility exhibited by Philip towards Plato and his successors in the Academy. In contrast, Philip was on friendly terms with Isocrates and provided patronage to the leading intellectuals of the day, among whom were such men as Anaximenes, Theopompus and Callisthenes. The rhetorical structure of the letter is analysed in depth thereby elucidating Speusippus' aim in addressing Philip and at the same time holding up a mirror to Isocrates' Philip in which we see the latter work reflected in greater clarity. A text and translation together with a full commentary on the letter is provided, as is also an extended appendix on Plato's letter to Philip"--P. [4] of cover.
