J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
What Have the Greeks Done for Modern Civilisation?
"What Have the Greeks Done for Modern Civilisation?" by J. P. Mahaffy is a series of lectures written in the early 20th century. The work explores the profound influence of ancient Greek culture on contemporary society, particularly focusing on the arts, philosophy, science, and education. Its purpose is to reevaluate the significance of Greek studies in modern education and society. The opening of the text introduces Mahaffy as a seasoned scholar delivering a series of lectures that aim to highlight the contributions of the Greeks to modern civilization. He expresses his initial doubts about the diminishing interest in Greek studies, particularly in America, and outlines the various domains—literature, art, politics, and science—through which Greek thought has indelibly shaped contemporary understanding. He emphasizes that understanding the Greek legacy is essential for appreciating the foundations upon which modern culture is built and suggests that reforming the teaching of Greek is vital to reviving its significance in educational curricula.