Plutarch's science of natural problems: a study with commentary on Quaestiones naturales

Description

In his 'Quaestiones naturales', Plutarch unmistakeably demonstrates a huge interest in the world of natural phenomena. The work of this famous intellectual and philosopher from Chaeronea consists of forty-one natural problems that address a wide variety of questions, sometimes rather peculiar ones, and answers pertaining to ancient Greek physics, including problems related to the fields of zoology, botany, meteorology and their respective subdisciplines. By providing a thorough study of and commentary on this generally neglected text, written by one of the most influential and prolific writers from Antiquity, this book contributes to our better understanding of Plutarch?s natural scientific programme and, the condition and role of ancient natural science in the Roman Imperial Era in general.;Prologue. Plutarch and the history of science: the case of Quaestiones naturales -- Introduction. Problems, problems, problems (and Aristotelian precedents) -- The position of Quaestiones naturales in the corpus Plutarcheum -- Quaestiones naturales and zetetic paideía -- Plutarch's Platonic world view: the aetiological design of Quaestiones naturales and its scientific context -- Commentary.