Evaluation

Originality can be claimed for the chapter in a number of respects. First, it offers an organised exposition of philanthropia rather than a lexicographer’s list. Unlike humanitas, philanthropia lacks special studies; it is not so much as noticed by RE,⁴¹ OCD or Kl.P. Second, original individual items include the following: Demosthenes’ uses of the word; the two defining moments of philanthropia, with the crisis situations that provoked them; the different approaches of Demosthenes and Isocrates; Polybius and brutality; Polybius and diplomacy with the common laws of nations and the rights common to all men; Demosthenes and Diodorus on slavery.