Books by Daniel Silvermintz
The presocratic philosopher Protagoras of Abdera (490–420 BC), founder of the sophistic movement,... more The presocratic philosopher Protagoras of Abdera (490–420 BC), founder of the sophistic movement, was famously agnostic towards the existence and nature of the gods, and was the proponent of the doctrine that 'man is the measure of all things'. Still relevant to contemporary society, Protagoras is in many ways a precursor of the postmodern movement. In the brief fragments that survive, he lays the foundation for relativism, agnosticism, the significance of rhetoric, a pedagogy for critical thinking and a conception of the human being as a social construction.
This accessible introductory survey by Daniel Silvermintz covers Protagoras' life, ideas and lasting legacy. Each chapter interprets one of the surviving fragments and draws connections with related ideas forwarded by other sophists, showing its relevance to an area of knowledge: epistemology, ethics, education and sociology.
Articles by Daniel Silvermintz
Scientific American, 2019
If chocolate releases the same chemicals in the brain as sexual excitement, why not forgo the tri... more If chocolate releases the same chemicals in the brain as sexual excitement, why not forgo the trials and tribulations of a romantic relationship for a bowl of Hershey’s kisses. Twenty-first century neuroscience provides such a sophisticated understanding of brain functions that it is tempting to mistake the psychic mechanism with the ultimate goal.
Electra, 2018
Despite Protagoras’ infamous reputation for corrupting his students, his “Great Speech” (Plato, P... more Despite Protagoras’ infamous reputation for corrupting his students, his “Great Speech” (Plato, Protagoras 320c-328d) presents one of the most important arguments in the history of ethics.1 Refuting Socrates’ contention that virtue must be unteachable since even the best of men cannot raise good children, Protagoras argues that everyone is capable of learning the difference between right and wrong.2 He supports this conviction by appealing to both traditional myth and logical reasoning. In his famous appropriation of the Prometheus myth, Protagoras establishes the divine origin of political wisdom and its possession by all humanity as a gift of the gods. He follows his retelling of the myth with a logical argument that directly addresses Socrates’ concern by demonstrating that the variability of success rates substantiates the teachability of virtue rather than undermines it. Protagoras’ vigorous defense of moral instruction is so persuasive that many classical scholars are led to question the longstanding belief that he was in any way corrupt. In spite of this, at least a few scholars have noted contradictions within Protagoras’ argument that suggest he has a more sinister agenda. There should be no surprise that the thinker most famous for practicing deceptive rhetoric has deceived us. I argue that the “Great Speech” is a masterful work of rhetoric that explicitly promotes morality while subtly promoting an immoralist understanding of ethics consistent with the view articulated by Thrasymachus and other sophists: justice is, according to the sophist, not an inherent good, but rather serves the interest of those who wield political power and stand beyond the law that they impose upon others.
History of Political Economy, 2010
This article challenges the long-standing belief that Plato is an early proponent of the division... more This article challenges the long-standing belief that Plato is an early proponent of the division of labor on account of the political proposals advanced in the Republic. In contrast, I contend that the Republic offers a radical critique—rather than any endorsement—of job specialization and its accompanying psychological orientation toward acquisitiveness. The article begins with a methodological section that attempts to explain the origin of the common misreading of Plato's works and forwards an interpretive framework for situating arguments raised in the Platonic dialogues in their dramatic and dialogic contexts. Having established these hermeneutic principles, the article proceeds to analyze the shifting significance of job specialization within the imaginary cities that are considered in the Republic and concludes that the dialogue ultimately critiques job specialization insofar as it prevents the individual from harmonizing his own soul and hinders his actualization of his natural job to philosophize
Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics, 2014
This essay provides an overview of Plato’s contribution to food ethics. Drawing on various Platon... more This essay provides an overview of Plato’s contribution to food ethics. Drawing on various Platonic dialogues, the discussion includes an analysis of the problem of gluttony and the correlate virtue of moderation, the diet of the Republic’s ideal city, and the harmonious order of the tripartite soul.
The Ancient World, 2010
Despite initiating the discussion and introducing the first definition examined in Plato’s Republ... more Despite initiating the discussion and introducing the first definition examined in Plato’s Republic, Cephalus is quickly compelled to leave the discussion. Many scholars read the dramatic action of this opening exchange as a coup d’ tat in which Socrates overthrows Cephalus’ reign over the community and usurps his ancestral command over the conversation. In contrast, I contend that Cephalus presents a competing moral claim as a representative of the class of moneymakers.
Yale Economic Review, 2010
This article discusses Aristotle’s understanding of the natural limits on wealth acquisition.
Metaphilosophy, 2009
This article presents a strategy for introducing Presocratic thought to students in a manner that... more This article presents a strategy for introducing Presocratic thought to students in a manner that is both engaging and relevant. The first section addresses students' reactions to the claim that the Presocratics were the first philosophers. The second section considers how the fragmentary state of Presocratic thought does not hinder its comprehension. The third section proposes a classroom exercise for testing the scientific merits of each of the Presocratic theories. The final section proposes the use of a mock trial as a means of applying the materialist approach introduced by the Presocratics to contemporary debates about free will and determinism.
Classical World, 2007
This article describes how Socrates’ trial can be used as the
basis for a segment on ancient Gree... more This article describes how Socrates’ trial can be used as the
basis for a segment on ancient Greek thought in courses devoted to Western civilization. Specific exercises are detailed for presenting the ideas of the pre-Socratic scientists, the sophists, and Plato to show their contemporary relevance and to engage students as active learners. These preliminary exercises culminate in a mock trial based on the case of Athens vs. Socrates. An extensive bibliography is provided of secondary literature relevant to Socrates’ trial and to Athenian legal procedures.
Teaching Philosophy, 2006
Many students are overwhelmed when encountering a primary work of philosophy. Since their previou... more Many students are overwhelmed when encountering a primary work of philosophy. Since their previous studies have not prepared them for the demands of reading a philosophic work, the philosophy instructor must be responsible for instilling in them the necessary skills to approach the subject matter. This article details the use and benefits of reading groups as a means of cultivating analytical reading skills. Students who participate in reading groups are reported to be more confident when engaging with primary texts and, consequently, more likely to participate in seminar discussions.
Philosophy for Business, 2005
The Roman orator and statesmen, Cicero, credits Socrates as the first thinker to 'bring philosoph... more The Roman orator and statesmen, Cicero, credits Socrates as the first thinker to 'bring philosophy down from the heavens and into the cities' (Tusculan Disputations V.10-11). Rather than studying the natural world so as to uncover the causes that lie behind its order, Socrates spent his days in the marketplace investigating the opinions of men. Defending himself during his trial against the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, he recounts his lifelong attempt to find someone wiser than he concerning the virtues of a human life. While Socrates found Athens' most celebrated citizens to be incapable of explaining their views, he audaciously declares the lowly class of artisans as the only ones with a valid claim to knowledge. With implications for discussions of business ethics, this essay will examine Socrates' appeal to craft-knowledge as instrumental in advancing his understanding of ethical matters.
Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek and Roman Political Thought, 2004
Building on the work of Scheid and Svenbro (Craft of Zeus, 1996) regarding the political signific... more Building on the work of Scheid and Svenbro (Craft of Zeus, 1996) regarding the political significance of weaving in Greek literature, this essay attempts to proffer the Odyssey’s political teaching through an interpretation of Penelope’s wily weaving of the burial shroud for the former king, Laertes. Homeric scholars have often noted the multiple oddities surrounding the shroud; few critics have noted the peculiarity of the dethroned Laertes. In spite of recent attempts by scholars such as Halverson, ‘The Succession Issue in the Odyssey’ (1986), to discredit political interpretations of the Odyssey as well as Homer’s understanding of kingship, I contend that Homer is presenting the institution in a state of transition. The shroud for Laertes will thus provide an interpretive key for narrating both the change of office enacted by Odysseus’ rule and the new political order formed at the end of the Odyssey.
Lecture by Daniel Silvermintz
University of Houston - Clear Lake, 2017
Lecture delivered at the University of Houston-Clear Lake by Associate Professor of Philosophy Da... more Lecture delivered at the University of Houston-Clear Lake by Associate Professor of Philosophy Daniel Silvermintz based on his book Protagoras: Ancients in Action. The lecture addresses Protagoras’ political and ethical thought and argues that he employs esoteric rhetoric in the Great Speech.
Papers by Daniel Silvermintz
Scientific American, Sep 1, 2019
If chocolate releases the same chemicals in the brain as sexual excitement, why not forgo the tri... more If chocolate releases the same chemicals in the brain as sexual excitement, why not forgo the trials and tribulations of a romantic relationship for a bowl of Hershey’s kisses. Twenty-first century neuroscience provides such a sophisticated understanding of brain functions that it is tempting to mistake the psychic mechanism with the ultimate goal.
SAGE Publications: SAGE Business Cases Originals eBooks, 2020
Philosophy Now, Feb 19, 2020
Routledge eBooks, Aug 13, 2021
SAGE Publications: SAGE Business Cases Originals eBooks, 2022
Duckworth eBooks, 2008
London, U
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Books by Daniel Silvermintz
This accessible introductory survey by Daniel Silvermintz covers Protagoras' life, ideas and lasting legacy. Each chapter interprets one of the surviving fragments and draws connections with related ideas forwarded by other sophists, showing its relevance to an area of knowledge: epistemology, ethics, education and sociology.
Articles by Daniel Silvermintz
basis for a segment on ancient Greek thought in courses devoted to Western civilization. Specific exercises are detailed for presenting the ideas of the pre-Socratic scientists, the sophists, and Plato to show their contemporary relevance and to engage students as active learners. These preliminary exercises culminate in a mock trial based on the case of Athens vs. Socrates. An extensive bibliography is provided of secondary literature relevant to Socrates’ trial and to Athenian legal procedures.
Lecture by Daniel Silvermintz
Papers by Daniel Silvermintz
This accessible introductory survey by Daniel Silvermintz covers Protagoras' life, ideas and lasting legacy. Each chapter interprets one of the surviving fragments and draws connections with related ideas forwarded by other sophists, showing its relevance to an area of knowledge: epistemology, ethics, education and sociology.
basis for a segment on ancient Greek thought in courses devoted to Western civilization. Specific exercises are detailed for presenting the ideas of the pre-Socratic scientists, the sophists, and Plato to show their contemporary relevance and to engage students as active learners. These preliminary exercises culminate in a mock trial based on the case of Athens vs. Socrates. An extensive bibliography is provided of secondary literature relevant to Socrates’ trial and to Athenian legal procedures.