The Philosopher’s New Clothes

The Theaetetus, the Academy, and Philosophy’s Turn against Fashion

By Nickolas Pappas | Publisher: Taylor and Francis

About the book

This book takes a new approach to the question, \"Is the philosopher to be seen as universal human being or as eccentric?\". Through a reading of the Theaetetus, Pappas first considers how we identify philosophers – how do they appear, in particular how do they dress? The book moves to modern philosophical treatments of fashion, and of \"anti-fashion\". He argues that aspects of the fashion/anti-fashion debate apply to antiquity, indeed that nudity at the gymnasia was an anti-fashion. Thus anti-fashion provides a way of viewing ancient philosophy’s orientation toward a social world in which, for all its true existence elsewhere, philosophy also has to live.

Editions of The Philosopher’s New Clothes

EBook
ISBN 9781317399247
PDF
ISBN 9781317399254

Read an Excerpt

This book takes a new approach to the question, \"Is the philosopher to be seen as universal human being or as eccentric?\". Through a reading of the Theaetetus, Pappas first considers how we identify philosophers – how do they appear, in particular how do they dress? The book moves to modern philosophical treatments of fashion, and of \"anti-fashion\". He argues that aspects of the fashion/anti-fashion debate apply to antiquity, indeed that nudity at the gymnasia was an anti-fashion. Thus anti-fashion provides a way of viewing ancient philosophy’s orientation toward a social world in which, for all its true existence elsewhere, philosophy also has to live.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Philosopher’s New Clothes about?

This book takes a new approach to the question, \"Is the philosopher to be seen as universal human being or as eccentric?\". Through a reading of the Theaetetus, Pappas first considers how we identify philosophers – how do they appear, in particular how do they dress? The book moves to modern philosophical treatments of fashion, and of \"anti-fashion\". He argues that aspects of the fashion/anti-fashion debate apply to antiquity, indeed that nudity at the gymnasia was an anti-fashion. Thus anti-fashion provides a way of viewing ancient philosophy’s orientation toward a social world in which, for all its true existence elsewhere, philosophy also has to live.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Philosopher’s New Clothes?

History and Archaeology > History > Ancient history

Where can I read a sample of The Philosopher’s New Clothes?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781317399247

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Philosopher’s New Clothes?

Nickolas Pappas

Who is the Publisher of the book The Philosopher’s New Clothes?

Taylor and Francis

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Philosopher’s New Clothes is available as ebook(ISBN 9781317399247) and pdf(ISBN 9781317399254)