Plutarch’s ‘Politikos’

Political leadership and the enduring tension between ethical ideals and pragmatic action.

What makes a good political leader? This volume explores a central question in the work of Plutarch of Chaeronea, one of antiquity’s most influential moral and political thinkers. Drawing on ten case studies, it shows how Plutarch used famous figures from the Greek and Roman past to reflect on leadership in his own time under Roman rule.

The chapters in this edited collection reveal how leaders were often forced to balance ideals with practical demands, facing difficult choices between principle and praxis. They present a world in which ambition, ethics, and responsibility to the community are constantly in tension.

Bringing together contributions from both established and early-career scholars, the book offers fresh insights into Plutarch’s political thinking and his reflections on leadership which continue to resonate today. By bridging theory and practice, it will appeal both to specialists in Plutarch and to readers interested in ancient political thought.

"Plutarch’s ‘Politikos’" was written by Carmine Nastri, Iris Sulimani, Serena Emilia Di Salvatore, Susan Jacobs, Renan Liparotti, Maria Serena Chiodo, Alessandro Fino, Giulia Tardio, Borja Méndez Santiago and Francesca Gaudiano.

"Plutarch’s ‘Politikos’" was edited by Joaquim Pinheiro and Laurens van der Wiel.

Joaquim Pinheiro is Full Professor at the University of Madeira.

Laurens van der Wiel is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Warsaw.

Yes, "Plutarch’s ‘Politikos’" is part of the "Plutarchea Hypomnemata" series.

The series Plutarchea Hypomnemata intends to further the scholarly study of, and international dialogue on, this rich Corpus Plutarcheum. To that end it welcomes monographs that explore specific themes developed in one or more Plutarchan writings, offer a thorough interpretation of and/or commentary on a particular text, or discuss various aspects of Plutarch's authorial activity, philosophical thinking, religious ideas, political convictions, and attitude towards history, science, and the arts. We also welcome studies that situate him in broader ideological and literary contexts (such as the so-called ‘Second Sophistic', ‘Middle Platonism', ancient biography) and/or in a contemporary political, social, and religious context.

Volumes in this series meet the highest scholarly standards and contribute significantly to the field of Plutarch studies. Specifically, they raise innovative questions while firmly grounded in sound methodology; they reach well-argued and original conclusions; and they are disseminated in the appropriate scientific format. This overall quality is guaranteed by international peer review.

Editorial Board

Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven), Geert Roskam (KU Leuven), Frances Titchener (Utah State University, Logan), Luc Van der Stockt † (KU Leuven)

Proposals

Proposals and enquiries can be sent to Geert Roskam. Please send a preliminary abstract (1-2 pp.) and a short bio. Upon approval of this abstract, the full manuscript will be submitted to international peer review. Two peer reviewers will be asked for expert advice, three in case of conflicting reports. At least one peer reviewer is not a member of the editorial or advisory board.

Please make use of the submission form to present your manuscript or proposal to our board.
Authors interested in Open Access can consult the available funding options.

Links & Resources

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations

Introduction
Joaquim Pinheiro and Laurens van der Wiel

1. Plutarch’s Lycurgus: A Classical and Contemporary Model for the Politikos in the High Empire
   Carmine Nastri
2. The Mythical Politikos as a Role Model: Plutarch’s Lycurgus
   Iris Sulimani
3. Romulus vs. Numa: The Development of the Politikos in Roman Monarchy According to Plutarch
   Serena Emilia Di Salvatore
4. Doing What the Situation Requires: Insights from Solon, Themistocles, Cato Minor, and Caesar
   Susan Jacobs
5. Pericles’ Political Theatre in the Construction of Democracy
   Renan Liparotti
6. Phocion’s Rhetoric as a Key for the Political Use of History in Praecepta gerendae reipublicae
   Maria Serena Chiodo
7. The Statesman and the Love of Wealth: Exploring the Moralia and the Lives
   Alessandro Fino

8. Φυσικόν and πολιτικόν: Themistocles and Alcibiades from a Plutarchan Perspective
   Giulia Tardio

9. Was Antony Controlled By Women? Plutarch’s Perspective
   Borja Méndez Santiago
10. The Statesman as Doctor: The Use of Medical Metaphors in Plutarch’s Lives
    Francesca Gaudiano

Bibliography
Notes on Contributors
General Index

The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for "Plutarch’s ‘Politikos’" is 10.11116/9789461667793.