Book contents
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
- Cambridge Texts in the History Of Political Thought
- Plutarch
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- General Introduction to the Political Writings of Plutarch and Their Reception
- Translator’s Note
- Select Bibliography
- Selected Political Writings
- 1Life of Lycurgus
- 2Life of Phocion
- 3Life of Antony
- 4On Women’s Courage
- 5Beasts are Rational
- 6Advice on the Conduct of Politics
- 7How to Profit from Enemies
- 8To an Uneducated Ruler
- 9Whether an Old Man Should be Involved in Politics
- 10How to Tell a Flatterer from a Friend
- 11The Philosopher’s Overriding Obligation to Talk with Men in Power
- Index
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
5 - Beasts are Rational
from Selected Political Writings
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 September 2026
Book contents
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
- Cambridge Texts in the History Of Political Thought
- Plutarch
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- General Introduction to the Political Writings of Plutarch and Their Reception
- Translator’s Note
- Select Bibliography
- Selected Political Writings
- 1Life of Lycurgus
- 2Life of Phocion
- 3Life of Antony
- 4On Women’s Courage
- 5Beasts are Rational
- 6Advice on the Conduct of Politics
- 7How to Profit from Enemies
- 8To an Uneducated Ruler
- 9Whether an Old Man Should be Involved in Politics
- 10How to Tell a Flatterer from a Friend
- 11The Philosopher’s Overriding Obligation to Talk with Men in Power
- Index
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
Summary
This is a playful dialogue written by Plutarch to highlight the deficiencies of human society. The setting is the island of the goddess Circe, who has transformed some of Odysseus’ sailors into pigs. When Odysseus asks that the sailors be returned to him, Circe suggests that he converse directly with them himself. Odysseus hears the arguments of his former sailors about the advantages of pig and animal life over that of human life, such as being better exemplars of courage and moderation as well as showing the capacity for reason and intelligence.
Information
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Plutarch: Selected Political Writings , pp. 159 - 171Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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