Classical Greece

The Classical GreeksThe Classical Greeks

The Hellenic Roots of Western The Hellenic Roots of Western CultureCulture

Classic: Three MeaningsClassic: Three Meanings

• ““First rate,” or “the best of its kind” applies First rate,” or “the best of its kind” applies to music, vintage cars, or films—implying to music, vintage cars, or films—implying enduring qualityenduring quality

• The characteristics of a civilization, one that The characteristics of a civilization, one that has enduring significance on later has enduring significance on later civilizations.civilizations.

• The stylistic features of a node of expression The stylistic features of a node of expression governed by principles of clarity, harmony, governed by principles of clarity, harmony, balance, simplicity (moderation), and balance, simplicity (moderation), and refinementrefinement

• The classic civilizations are so in all three The classic civilizations are so in all three senses of the termsenses of the term

The Classic CivilizationsThe Classic Civilizations

• The Greek or Hellenic: That which The Greek or Hellenic: That which reached its height in the fifth century BCEreached its height in the fifth century BCE

• The Hellenistic or “Greek-like” in which a The Hellenistic or “Greek-like” in which a Macedonian named Alexander spread its Macedonian named Alexander spread its influence into Asia and Egypt (ca 300 influence into Asia and Egypt (ca 300 BCE)BCE)

• The Roman in two phases:The Roman in two phases:• The Republic (509-31 BCE)The Republic (509-31 BCE)• Empire (31 BCE-476 CE)Empire (31 BCE-476 CE)

Minoan Civilization (2000-1400 Minoan Civilization (2000-1400 BCE)BCE)

• Site of a palace and labyrinthine maze on Site of a palace and labyrinthine maze on the Island of Crete, south of mainland the Island of Crete, south of mainland Greece.Greece.

• Named after King Minos whose minotaur—Named after King Minos whose minotaur—half man and half bull—was kept in the half man and half bull—was kept in the labyrinth and fed Athenian youthslabyrinth and fed Athenian youths

• The minotaur is killed by the Athenian The minotaur is killed by the Athenian hero Theseus, freeing Athens from his hero Theseus, freeing Athens from his rule.rule.

Minoan SiteMinoan Site

• Archaeological evidence indicates the site was Archaeological evidence indicates the site was involved in seagoing trade with the Phoenicians, involved in seagoing trade with the Phoenicians, based in Carthage of North Africabased in Carthage of North Africa

• A three-story palace build around a courtyardA three-story palace build around a courtyard• Absence of fortress walls indicate the kingdom Absence of fortress walls indicate the kingdom

felt secure on this island.felt secure on this island.• Frescos indicate the sport of bull-vaulting, still Frescos indicate the sport of bull-vaulting, still

practiced in Portugalpracticed in Portugal• Bare-breasted woman with snakes; may indicate Bare-breasted woman with snakes; may indicate

fertility ritual with either a goddess or a priestess.fertility ritual with either a goddess or a priestess.

Linear B ScriptLinear B Script

• Linear B Script is the first phonetic script in EuropeLinear B Script is the first phonetic script in Europe

• Based on syllables; each symbol represents a Based on syllables; each symbol represents a syllable rather than a speech sound syllable rather than a speech sound

• Vowel is the peak of a syllableVowel is the peak of a syllable

Mycenaean Civilization Mycenaean Civilization (1600-1200 BCE)(1600-1200 BCE)• More of a militaristic peoples with warships vying for More of a militaristic peoples with warships vying for

control of the Eastern Mediterraneancontrol of the Eastern Mediterranean• Site includes heavily fortified walls expected of a Site includes heavily fortified walls expected of a

militaristic societymilitaristic society• Death mask is probably that of Agamemnon, king of Death mask is probably that of Agamemnon, king of

Mycenae who led the Achaeans against TroyMycenae who led the Achaeans against Troy• Grave of Agamemnon includes jewels and other Grave of Agamemnon includes jewels and other

precious grave goodsprecious grave goods• The Mycenaeans attacked Troy (Ilion) around 1200 The Mycenaeans attacked Troy (Ilion) around 1200

BCE, resulting in a 10-year warBCE, resulting in a 10-year war• This sets the stage of Homer’s two epics, This sets the stage of Homer’s two epics, The Iliad The Iliad

recounting the last days of the Trojan Warrecounting the last days of the Trojan War• The second is The second is The OdysseyThe Odyssey, of the obstacles to Odysseus’s , of the obstacles to Odysseus’s

(Ulysses) homecoming after the Trojan war. (Ulysses) homecoming after the Trojan war.

The Heroic Age (1200-750 The Heroic Age (1200-750 CE)CE)• Mycenae was conquered in 1200 CE by the Mycenae was conquered in 1200 CE by the

Dorians whose iron weaponry proved superiorDorians whose iron weaponry proved superior• The Homeric epics were passed down by oral The Homeric epics were passed down by oral

tradition for 300 years before being transcribed tradition for 300 years before being transcribed and 300 more before being reaching their present and 300 more before being reaching their present formform

• Little is known about Homer himself, except that Little is known about Homer himself, except that if he existed, he was blindif he existed, he was blind

• Represents the culmination of a long tradition of Represents the culmination of a long tradition of oral historyoral history

• The two epics represent a national symbol of The two epics represent a national symbol of present-day Greecepresent-day Greece

Iliad: Paris’s ChoiceIliad: Paris’s Choice

• Eris, the Goddess of Discord, throws an apple Eris, the Goddess of Discord, throws an apple with the inscription “To The Fairest” in a crowd with the inscription “To The Fairest” in a crowd at a wedding.at a wedding.

• Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Hera, the wife Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Hera, the wife of Zeus, and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, of Zeus, and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Sex, Beauty, and Fertility, vie for the appleSex, Beauty, and Fertility, vie for the apple

• They agree to allow Paris, a moral (and Trojan) They agree to allow Paris, a moral (and Trojan) to make the judgment. to make the judgment.

• Athena promises victory against the Greeks; Athena promises victory against the Greeks; Hera promises dominion over the known world; Hera promises dominion over the known world; Aphrodite promises him the love of a beautiful Aphrodite promises him the love of a beautiful women Paris gives gives the golden apple to women Paris gives gives the golden apple to Aphrodite Aphrodite

• The spurned goddesses, Hera and Athena, The spurned goddesses, Hera and Athena, conspire with other deities for revenge.conspire with other deities for revenge.

• Paris kidnaps Helen, Menaleus, her husbands, Paris kidnaps Helen, Menaleus, her husbands, forms an alliance with other Acheans to get his forms an alliance with other Acheans to get his wife fackwife fack

The Iliad: The Battle of TroyThe Iliad: The Battle of Troy

• Through an alliance of gods and Through an alliance of gods and mortals, war breaks out between mortals, war breaks out between the “Achaeans” and the Trojans the “Achaeans” and the Trojans of Troy, a commercial center in of Troy, a commercial center in Asia Minor (now Turkey)Asia Minor (now Turkey)

• The Iliad The Iliad is set in the last days of is set in the last days of the Trojan warthe Trojan war

• The war end when the Trojan The war end when the Trojan Horse, containing Achaean Horse, containing Achaean solders, taken to be a gift, is solders, taken to be a gift, is haled onto the fortress, and the haled onto the fortress, and the Acheans slaughter the Trojans in Acheans slaughter the Trojans in a ruse. a ruse.

Iliad: Achilles as Central Iliad: Achilles as Central CharacterCharacter

• The central figure of the Iliad is The central figure of the Iliad is Achilles, a powerful warrior who at Achilles, a powerful warrior who at first refuses to join the Achaeansfirst refuses to join the Achaeans

• He consents only after a close friend He consents only after a close friend of his, Patroclus, is killed in battle by of his, Patroclus, is killed in battle by Hector, the chieftain of the TrojansHector, the chieftain of the Trojans

• Though half-god, half man, he has a Though half-god, half man, he has a flaw: his heel which his mother Thetis flaw: his heel which his mother Thetis held while dipping into the river Styx, held while dipping into the river Styx, which rendered him invulnerable:which rendered him invulnerable:

• Except for the heel, which any Except for the heel, which any weapon could prnetrate. weapon could prnetrate.

• Note the penetration of the arrow in Note the penetration of the arrow in his heel. his heel.

Iliad: The Main ThemesIliad: The Main Themes

• The theme of Achilles that recurs in Greek The theme of Achilles that recurs in Greek thought:thought:

• Selfhood vs. community responsibilitySelfhood vs. community responsibility• We see it later in Socrates’s refusal to We see it later in Socrates’s refusal to

escape after being condemned to deathescape after being condemned to death• Heroic act to prove virtue or excellence Heroic act to prove virtue or excellence

((aretearete has both connotations) has both connotations)• Both God and Man displays a range of Both God and Man displays a range of

human emotions: anger, love, grief (over human emotions: anger, love, grief (over loss of friend)loss of friend)

Odyssey:Odyssey: Frustrated Frustrated HomecomingHomecoming• Odysseus encounters obstacles—adventures—while Odysseus encounters obstacles—adventures—while

trying to sail home to Ithaca after the wartrying to sail home to Ithaca after the war• On one occasion, he ix within sight of Ithaca when a On one occasion, he ix within sight of Ithaca when a

strong wind blow the ship out to open sea. strong wind blow the ship out to open sea. • He has to navigate the ship between Scylla, a He has to navigate the ship between Scylla, a

monster perched on a rock, and Charybdis, the monster perched on a rock, and Charybdis, the monster lurking in a large whirlpoolmonster lurking in a large whirlpool

• Allows himself to listen to the Sirens, while tied to Allows himself to listen to the Sirens, while tied to the mast and the men rowing with earplugs, so they the mast and the men rowing with earplugs, so they can hear neither him, nor then; otherwise the ship can hear neither him, nor then; otherwise the ship would have been lost to the rockswould have been lost to the rocks

• In the end, he does arrive home, and he slaughters In the end, he does arrive home, and he slaughters the suitors trying to woo his wife Penelope because the suitors trying to woo his wife Penelope because of his long absence. of his long absence.

The Principal Gods in the The Principal Gods in the Greek/Roman PantheonGreek/Roman Pantheon• Zeus (Rom. Jupiter or Jove): The head of the Zeus (Rom. Jupiter or Jove): The head of the

pantheon of godspantheon of gods• Hera (Juno): Queen of the GodsHera (Juno): Queen of the Gods• Ares (Mars): God of warAres (Mars): God of war• Aphrodite (Venus): Goddess of (erotic) love, Aphrodite (Venus): Goddess of (erotic) love,

beauty, beauty, • Athena (Minerva): Goddess of wisdom—and Athena (Minerva): Goddess of wisdom—and

warwar• Eros (Amor/Cupid): God of (erotic) love, Eros (Amor/Cupid): God of (erotic) love,

often portrayed as an infantoften portrayed as an infant• Hades (Pluto): God of the UnderworldHades (Pluto): God of the Underworld

Other Gods of the Other Gods of the Greek/Roman PantheonGreek/Roman Pantheon• Demeter (Ceres): Goddess of Agriculture/GrainDemeter (Ceres): Goddess of Agriculture/Grain• Persephone (Proserpina): Goddess of the Persephone (Proserpina): Goddess of the

Underworld Underworld • Apollo, Helios (Phoebus): God of the SunApollo, Helios (Phoebus): God of the Sun• Hephaestus (Vulcan): God of metallurgy, fireHephaestus (Vulcan): God of metallurgy, fire• Heracles (Hercules): God of strength, courageHeracles (Hercules): God of strength, courage• Artemis (Diana): Goddess of the hunt, the moonArtemis (Diana): Goddess of the hunt, the moon• Hermes (Mercury): Messenger of the godsHermes (Mercury): Messenger of the gods• Nike (both): Goddess of VictoryNike (both): Goddess of Victory• Poseidon (Neptune): God of the seaPoseidon (Neptune): God of the sea• Hestia (Vesta): Goddess of the hearth, domesticHestia (Vesta): Goddess of the hearth, domestic

Gods According to Greek Gods According to Greek TheologyTheology

• Origin myth: Zeus, angered by human Origin myth: Zeus, angered by human evil, destroyed humankind by floodevil, destroyed humankind by flood

• Deucalion (Greek Noah), constructs Deucalion (Greek Noah), constructs boat for himself and his wifeboat for himself and his wife

• ““Bones” of Gaia thrown overboard Bones” of Gaia thrown overboard and new humans, first of whom is and new humans, first of whom is Hellen (ancestors of Hellenes or Hellen (ancestors of Hellenes or Greeks), spring from the rocksGreeks), spring from the rocks

The Humanlike Qualities of The Humanlike Qualities of the Godsthe Gods• The immortals show all the human emotions: The immortals show all the human emotions:

they are amorous, capricious, quarrelsomethey are amorous, capricious, quarrelsome• They take sides in human wars (as they do in They take sides in human wars (as they do in

the the IliadIliad))• They live among humans, atop Mount OlympusThey live among humans, atop Mount Olympus• Gods seduce mortal women (Leda and the Swan, Gods seduce mortal women (Leda and the Swan,

who is Zeus), interfere in human affairs, and who is Zeus), interfere in human affairs, and much elsemuch else

• They set forth no clear principles of moral They set forth no clear principles of moral conductconduct

• Gods are beings to curry favor from by animal Gods are beings to curry favor from by animal sacrificesacrifice

• Oracles (like the one at Delphi) are sources of Oracles (like the one at Delphi) are sources of prophecy and mystical wisdomprophecy and mystical wisdom

Greek City States: Greek City States: Principal SitesPrincipal Sites

Greek City States: Greek City States: Economic BasisEconomic Basis• A rocky environment allowed little agricultureA rocky environment allowed little agriculture• Best strategy: to grow crops of high value for Best strategy: to grow crops of high value for

trade—olives (for the oil) and grapes (for the wine)trade—olives (for the oil) and grapes (for the wine)• Became master craftsmen of metallurgy, textiles, Became master craftsmen of metallurgy, textiles,

pottery, and other artspottery, and other arts• Rocky terrain allowed for little overland tradeRocky terrain allowed for little overland trade• Therefore, they continued to trade via maritime Therefore, they continued to trade via maritime

routesroutes• Law of comparative advantage illustrated here: Law of comparative advantage illustrated here:

crafted goods, oil, and wine for basic foodstuffs crafted goods, oil, and wine for basic foodstuffs like grain from the Near Eastlike grain from the Near East

Greek City States: The Greek City States: The Persian WarsPersian Wars• Autonomous city states arose in the Autonomous city states arose in the

mainlandmainland• Persian expanded westward and annexed Persian expanded westward and annexed

Ionia, a region in Asia MinorIonia, a region in Asia Minor• When Ionians revolted, other city states When Ionians revolted, other city states

joined injoined in• At the Battle of Marathon of 499 BCE, an At the Battle of Marathon of 499 BCE, an

army of 11,000 men defeated a Persian army of 11,000 men defeated a Persian army twice that numberarmy twice that number

• The Greeks proceeded to develop an navy The Greeks proceeded to develop an navy and at the Battle of Salamis, defeated the and at the Battle of Salamis, defeated the Persian armadaPersian armada

City States: Emergence City States: Emergence of Democracy in Athensof Democracy in Athens• Initially Oligarchic RuleInitially Oligarchic Rule• Reforms by Solon: abolition of debt slaveryReforms by Solon: abolition of debt slavery• Formation of the Popular Assembly by 550 BCE, Formation of the Popular Assembly by 550 BCE,

comprising all Greek citizenrycomprising all Greek citizenry• It operated alongside the Council of Five Hundred It operated alongside the Council of Five Hundred

and Council of Ten Generals and Council of Ten Generals • Popular Assembly acquired the right to legislatePopular Assembly acquired the right to legislate• Involved direct participation, not representativesInvolved direct participation, not representatives• Women, non-landowners, and slaves still had no Women, non-landowners, and slaves still had no

such rightssuch rights• Success probably attributed to low population: Success probably attributed to low population:

40,000 eligible, probably 5000 actually 40,000 eligible, probably 5000 actually participated in open-air market (agora) forums.participated in open-air market (agora) forums.

City States: Sparta City States: Sparta Contrasted with AthensContrasted with Athens• Elite of five, though elected, saw Elite of five, though elected, saw

themselves as rulers incarnate of the godsthemselves as rulers incarnate of the gods• Male citizens from seven years upward were Male citizens from seven years upward were

trained as soldierstrained as soldiers• Physical labor done by helots, prisoners Physical labor done by helots, prisoners

captured in frequent local wars.captured in frequent local wars.• Spartan women, expected to live out ideals Spartan women, expected to live out ideals

of warrior culture, were allowed more of warrior culture, were allowed more freedom than their Athenian counterpartsfreedom than their Athenian counterparts

• Nevertheless, strict order allowed for little Nevertheless, strict order allowed for little creativitycreativity

Athens under PericlesAthens under Pericles

• Pericles:Pericles: An aristocrat who nevertheless An aristocrat who nevertheless believed in a democratic form of governmentbelieved in a democratic form of government

• His foreign policies were also high-handedHis foreign policies were also high-handed

• Part of the Delian league, he collected monies for Part of the Delian league, he collected monies for a collective defense against the Persiansa collective defense against the Persians

• Then he appropriate them for Athens to build the Then he appropriate them for Athens to build the Athenian temples demolished by the PersiansAthenian temples demolished by the Persians

• He also tried to dominate the commercial policy He also tried to dominate the commercial policy of league membersof league members

Peloponnesian WarsPeloponnesian Wars

• These acts led to a war between Athens and an These acts led to a war between Athens and an alliance dominated by Spartaalliance dominated by Sparta

• The war brought to an end the so-called Golden The war brought to an end the so-called Golden Age of AthensAge of Athens

• Eventually, this would bring forth the imperialistic Eventually, this would bring forth the imperialistic forays of Alexander the Greatforays of Alexander the Great

• It would also generate the Hellenistic Age by It would also generate the Hellenistic Age by which Greek philosophy, literature, and art and which Greek philosophy, literature, and art and architectural styles were spread throughout much architectural styles were spread throughout much of the known world. of the known world.

Two Historians: Herodotus and Two Historians: Herodotus and ThucydidesThucydides

• Herodotus: Herodotus: First known historian who combined First known historian who combined keen observation with critical judgmentkeen observation with critical judgment

• Did make errors, such as his opinion that non-Did make errors, such as his opinion that non-Egyptian slaves built the pyramidEgyptian slaves built the pyramid

• Thucydides: Thucydides: • Wrote a detailed account of the Peloponnesian Wrote a detailed account of the Peloponnesian

wars between Athens and an alliance dominated wars between Athens and an alliance dominated by Sparta, which proved disastrous for Athensby Sparta, which proved disastrous for Athens

• He himself was a general in the conflict, so that He himself was a general in the conflict, so that he is a primary source, one who made the actual he is a primary source, one who made the actual observationsobservations

Greek Drama: OverviewGreek Drama: Overview

• Characters were all played by men.Characters were all played by men.

• The structure comprised a stage, rather The structure comprised a stage, rather small, and the seating for the audience, small, and the seating for the audience, which were levels of stairlike seatswhich were levels of stairlike seats

• The chorus played an important role of The chorus played an important role of informing the sequence of events. informing the sequence of events.

Structure of DramaStructure of Drama

• Setting: The site of the play and its contextSetting: The site of the play and its context

• Rising Action: The events that lead to a crisis between Rising Action: The events that lead to a crisis between those involved in a conflictthose involved in a conflict

• Climax: Climax: The moment of high intensity, usually the crisis in The moment of high intensity, usually the crisis in which the outcome can go one way or anotherwhich the outcome can go one way or another

• Denouement: Denouement: The conclusion of the play, usually involving The conclusion of the play, usually involving resolution of the conflict. Whether the play is a tragedy or resolution of the conflict. Whether the play is a tragedy or comedy determines the outcomecomedy determines the outcome

• Deus ex Machina: Deus ex Machina: The device whereby a seemingly The device whereby a seemingly irresolvable conflict is resolved by a God who is lowered by a irresolvable conflict is resolved by a God who is lowered by a lift (the machine) whose command determines the outcome. lift (the machine) whose command determines the outcome.

• (Modern: the Cavalry arrives just in time to expel the Indians)(Modern: the Cavalry arrives just in time to expel the Indians)

Characters in a PlayCharacters in a Play

• Every play has a conflict or a crisis. Every play has a conflict or a crisis.

• Protagonist: Protagonist: The hero or main character of the The hero or main character of the playplay

• Antagonist: Antagonist: The principal opponent to the The principal opponent to the protagonistprotagonist

• Chorus in Greek Plays: Chorus in Greek Plays: Those who respond to Those who respond to the lines of the protagonist and the antagonists the lines of the protagonist and the antagonists and fill in the details missing in the dialogueand fill in the details missing in the dialogue

• Audience: Audience: The watchers of the play, but they The watchers of the play, but they may also participate in the dialogue. may also participate in the dialogue.

Types of Greek DramaTypes of Greek Drama

• Tragedy: Tragedy: A work with tragic consequences for A work with tragic consequences for the hero.the hero.

• The hero is usually a noble, often one who has The hero is usually a noble, often one who has accomplished great things.accomplished great things.

• But he has some defect (see tragic flaw)But he has some defect (see tragic flaw)

• That brings him to ruin at lastThat brings him to ruin at last

• Comedy:Comedy: A work, usually with happy endings A work, usually with happy endings

• Only later did it become identified with Only later did it become identified with amusement amusement

• Often a work with realistic ends. Often a work with realistic ends.

Greek TragedyGreek Tragedy

• Hubris: Tragic FlawHubris: Tragic Flaw

• The hero is a nobleThe hero is a noble

• He is a man (almost always a man) of some He is a man (almost always a man) of some accomplishment)accomplishment)

• But he has some defectBut he has some defect

• That defect proves destructive to the hero. That defect proves destructive to the hero.

• Catharsis: Catharsis: the cleansing of the soul brought the cleansing of the soul brought about by witnessing a demiseabout by witnessing a demise

• Tragic WasteTragic Waste

Case Study: Oedipus the King Case Study: Oedipus the King by Sophoclesby Sophocles

• Oedipus Oedipus is the son of is the son of Laius, Laius, the king of Thebes, and of the king of Thebes, and of Jocasta. Jocasta.

• When born, he receives a prophesy that he will slay his When born, he receives a prophesy that he will slay his father and marry his mother.father and marry his mother.

• The father has his boy’s feet pierced, and orders a The father has his boy’s feet pierced, and orders a shepherd to leave him on a hillside to die. shepherd to leave him on a hillside to die.

• Polybus, the shepherd, instead rears the child as his own. Polybus, the shepherd, instead rears the child as his own.

• When, as a man, he receives this prophecy, he leaves the When, as a man, he receives this prophecy, he leaves the shepherd out of fear it might come true.shepherd out of fear it might come true.

• He travels to Thebes, the most distant place from the siteHe travels to Thebes, the most distant place from the site

• The theme underlying this effort is that it is folly to outwit The theme underlying this effort is that it is folly to outwit the Fates. the Fates.

Oedipus: The PatricideOedipus: The Patricide

• While traveling, Oedipus meets an While traveling, Oedipus meets an arrogant man arrogant man

• They argues over the right of way on They argues over the right of way on a narrow roada narrow road

• The dispute gets out of handThe dispute gets out of hand• Oedipus kills the manOedipus kills the man• Guess who the man isGuess who the man is• Laius is the man, Oedipus’s fatherLaius is the man, Oedipus’s father

The Sphinx and Her RiddleThe Sphinx and Her Riddle

• At the gates of Thebes, he At the gates of Thebes, he encounters the Sphinx, who encounters the Sphinx, who has been terrorizing Thebes has been terrorizing Thebes for yearfor year

• The Sphinx has waylayed The Sphinx has waylayed people, ask a riddle, and people, ask a riddle, and murders them all for their murders them all for their failure to give the right answerfailure to give the right answer

• The riddle: what walks on four The riddle: what walks on four in the morningin the morning

• On two at noon, andOn two at noon, and• On three at night?On three at night?• Your turn: got a good answer?Your turn: got a good answer?

Oedipus’s AnswerOedipus’s Answer

• His answer: “man”His answer: “man”

• He crawls on all fours in the morning (of life He crawls on all fours in the morning (of life as a toddler)as a toddler)

• Walks on two at noon (maturity)Walks on two at noon (maturity)

• Walks on three in the evening (a cane, at Walks on three in the evening (a cane, at old age)old age)

• She screams, falls to the ground with a She screams, falls to the ground with a thud, and rots away with decay and thud, and rots away with decay and vulturesvultures

Oedipus Become King and Oedipus Become King and Marries his MotherMarries his Mother• The grateful Thebians award him with the kinshipThe grateful Thebians award him with the kinship• And with the hand of Jocasta to be his wifeAnd with the hand of Jocasta to be his wife• In so doing, he fulfils the prophecy that he will In so doing, he fulfils the prophecy that he will

marry his mother. marry his mother. • The Gods, angered by his incest, send a plague to The Gods, angered by his incest, send a plague to

the citythe city• After siring and bearing four children, Oedipus is After siring and bearing four children, Oedipus is

told by the blind prophet Tiresias that he is the told by the blind prophet Tiresias that he is the cause of the plague. cause of the plague.

• In his pride, he refuses to believe the prophet, In his pride, he refuses to believe the prophet, thinking his rival Creon, Jocasta’s brother, has set thinking his rival Creon, Jocasta’s brother, has set him up to this. him up to this.

Curse of Oedipus RexCurse of Oedipus Rex

• The chorus fills the audience in on the details The chorus fills the audience in on the details of the eventsof the events

• A messenger conveys the news of the A messenger conveys the news of the shepherd Polybus’s death and adds that he shepherd Polybus’s death and adds that he was only Oedipus’s adopted father. was only Oedipus’s adopted father.

• Jocasta discovers the truth in the Jocasta discovers the truth in the conversation, runs off the stage and hangs conversation, runs off the stage and hangs herselfherself

• The truth come slowly to Oedipus; he takes The truth come slowly to Oedipus; he takes the brooch from his dead wife and blinds the brooch from his dead wife and blinds himselfhimself

Departure of Oedipus Rex; Departure of Oedipus Rex; Fate of AntigoneFate of Antigone

• He leaves Thebes with his daughter AntigoneHe leaves Thebes with his daughter Antigone

• Another play portrays Antigone herself, his Another play portrays Antigone herself, his daughter/sisterdaughter/sister

• After Oedipus’s death, she returns to ThebesAfter Oedipus’s death, she returns to Thebes

• When Creon, now king, decrees she cannot give When Creon, now king, decrees she cannot give her brother Polynices the rites of burial at his her brother Polynices the rites of burial at his death, she does so anywaydeath, she does so anyway

• For her defiance, she is sealed in a cave to slowly For her defiance, she is sealed in a cave to slowly suffocate. suffocate.

• She commits suicide rather than suffer this fateShe commits suicide rather than suffer this fate

Incest TabuIncest Tabu

• Definition: A rule that forbids copulation Definition: A rule that forbids copulation between two persons of defined relationshipsbetween two persons of defined relationships

• Primary kin: parent-child, siblingsPrimary kin: parent-child, siblings

• Father-daughterFather-daughter

• Mother-sonMother-son

• Brother sisterBrother sister

• Exception: Egyptian, Inca, HawaiianException: Egyptian, Inca, Hawaiian

• Allowed only in royal line: “purity”Allowed only in royal line: “purity”

Biological (Genetic Biological (Genetic Explanation)Explanation)• Fears of inbreeding deters incestFears of inbreeding deters incest

• Lower intelligence (e.g. Down syndrome)Lower intelligence (e.g. Down syndrome)

• Birth defects:Birth defects:

• HemophiliaHemophilia

• Anomalous characteristicsAnomalous characteristics

• AssumptionsAssumptions

• Individuals have facts of life straightIndividuals have facts of life straight

• Defect attributed to inbreedingDefect attributed to inbreeding

• No close marriages No close marriages

Biological (Genetic): Biological (Genetic): ShortcomingsShortcomings• Connection between copulation and Connection between copulation and

childbirth often not madechildbirth often not made

• Rapan (Easter) Islanders: woman is fertile Rapan (Easter) Islanders: woman is fertile during menstruationduring menstruation

• Other explanation may explain childbirth Other explanation may explain childbirth (witchcraft, evil spirit in womb)(witchcraft, evil spirit in womb)

• Defect may not show up for generationsDefect may not show up for generations

• Widespread cross-cousin marriage also Widespread cross-cousin marriage also entail inbreeding: few birth defectsentail inbreeding: few birth defects

Other Tragic DramatistsOther Tragic Dramatists

• Aeschylus: Aeschylus: The first playwright in the Western WorldThe first playwright in the Western World

• Known for the Orestian trilogy, which detail the horrors Known for the Orestian trilogy, which detail the horrors that befell the House of Atreusthat befell the House of Atreus

• This trilogy set the pattern for other tragedies.This trilogy set the pattern for other tragedies.

• Euripides: Euripides: Had the reputation of a freethinker and Had the reputation of a freethinker and was highly unpopular in his time. was highly unpopular in his time.

• Wrote 92 plays in his lifetime of which 18 are still Wrote 92 plays in his lifetime of which 18 are still known.known.

• Among the plays: Among the plays: The Trojan Women The Trojan Women (the aftermath of (the aftermath of the war); the war); Hercules; Orestes Hercules; Orestes (Medusa’s killer); and (Medusa’s killer); and Medea Medea (murderess of an abusive father). (murderess of an abusive father).

Philosophy in Hellenic GreecePhilosophy in Hellenic Greece

• Pre-Greek Philosophers: Pre-Greek Philosophers: The stuff that unified The stuff that unified the reality we perceive—what is everything made the reality we perceive—what is everything made ofof

• The Sophists: The Sophists: The first relativists: “How do we The first relativists: “How do we know what we know?know what we know?

• Socrates: Socrates: First (through Plato) to argue for an First (through Plato) to argue for an unchanging body of truths. unchanging body of truths.

• Plato: Plato: Argued for absolute truth (expressed Argued for absolute truth (expressed through Socrates, so we don’t know which is through Socrates, so we don’t know which is which); founded the Academywhich); founded the Academy

• Aristotle: Aristotle: Founded the Lyceum; saw reason as a Founded the Lyceum; saw reason as a tool for knowledge; rejected Plato’s theory of tool for knowledge; rejected Plato’s theory of forms and notion of a universal psycheforms and notion of a universal psyche

Pre-Greek PhilosophersPre-Greek Philosophers

• Thales of Miletus: Thales of Miletus: produces an accurate theory of the produces an accurate theory of the solar eclipsesolar eclipse

• Anaxmiander: Anaxmiander: Argued that life evolved from beginning Argued that life evolved from beginning in the sea and that humankind evolved from a more in the sea and that humankind evolved from a more primitive species; laid groundwork for evolutionary primitive species; laid groundwork for evolutionary theorytheory

• Pythagoras: Pythagoras: Argues for a spherical earth around which Argues for a spherical earth around which five planet revolved. Also laid down the Pythagoran five planet revolved. Also laid down the Pythagoran Theorem, in which the square of the hypotenuse of a Theorem, in which the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the square of the two right triangle equals the sum of the square of the two sides.sides.

• Leucippus: Leucippus: Theorized that all matter is composed of Theorized that all matter is composed of atomsatoms

• Anaxagoras: Anaxagoras: Postulates that the sun is a large, Postulates that the sun is a large, glowing rock and explained solar eclipsesglowing rock and explained solar eclipses

The SophistsThe Sophists

• Protagoras Protagoras (pictured)(pictured)

• Meaning of “Man is the Measure of All Meaning of “Man is the Measure of All things”things”

• Knowledge cannot exceed human opinionKnowledge cannot exceed human opinion

• Relativism forms the norm; there is no Relativism forms the norm; there is no reality apart from one’s own perceptionsreality apart from one’s own perceptions

• GorgiasGorgias

• Reality in incomprehensibleReality in incomprehensible

• Even if one comprehend it, he could not Even if one comprehend it, he could not describe the real to others. describe the real to others.

• Basic Theme: Basic Theme: What might be true and What might be true and just for one may not be so for another.just for one may not be so for another.

Socrates: The Dialectical Socrates: The Dialectical MethodMethod

• To Socrates, inquiry involved a To Socrates, inquiry involved a three-step methodthree-step method

• Thesis:Thesis: A proposition of what A proposition of what is trueis true

• AntithesisAntithesis: a proposition : a proposition offering the opposite offering the opposite propositionproposition

• Synthesis:Synthesis: A proposition A proposition reconciling the thesis and reconciling the thesis and antithesis. antithesis.

• Formed the basis of his Formed the basis of his dialogues and his teaching dialogues and his teaching techniquetechnique

Socrates: The Quest for Socrates: The Quest for Virtue IVirtue I

• Contrary to the Sophists, argued that Contrary to the Sophists, argued that there is only a unitary truth there is only a unitary truth

• This was not dependent on one’s This was not dependent on one’s perceptionsperceptions

• Virtue is the condition of the psyche Virtue is the condition of the psyche (soul or mind)(soul or mind)

• To do good, one must first know goodTo do good, one must first know good

Socrates: The Quest for Socrates: The Quest for Virtue IIVirtue II

• One argument: That as a citizen of Athens, he had incurred One argument: That as a citizen of Athens, he had incurred obligationsobligations

• One obligation was to submit to the law even if it meant his life One obligation was to submit to the law even if it meant his life (here, he is about to drink the hemlock as a sentence for (here, he is about to drink the hemlock as a sentence for corrupting the youthcorrupting the youth

Plato: The Quest for the Ideal Plato: The Quest for the Ideal FormForm

• Idealism: Idealism: the notion that reality lies the notion that reality lies in the realm of unchanging forms in the realm of unchanging forms rather than in sensory objectsrather than in sensory objects

• Our perceptions are imperfect and Our perceptions are imperfect and limitedlimited

• Psyche Psyche belongs to the universe of belongs to the universe of eternal forms; imprisoned in the eternal forms; imprisoned in the body, the mind forgets its once-body, the mind forgets its once-perfect knolwdgeperfect knolwdge

• Task of philosophy: to draw the mind Task of philosophy: to draw the mind out of its limited body and so regain out of its limited body and so regain perfect awareness. perfect awareness.

• Railed against the Sophists for their Railed against the Sophists for their relativismrelativism

Plato: Allegory of the CavePlato: Allegory of the Cave

• The cave is a metaphor for our perceived realityThe cave is a metaphor for our perceived reality• Like the shadows of the cave, our reality is not Like the shadows of the cave, our reality is not

the things they really are, the idealthe things they really are, the ideal• Going out into the sunlight, we would see the Going out into the sunlight, we would see the

ideal that is behind the reality we perceiveideal that is behind the reality we perceive

Plato: The Perfect StatePlato: The Perfect State

• In Plato’s In Plato’s Republic, Republic, asks “what is the nature of justice?” andasks “what is the nature of justice?” and• ““What is the nature of a just society?”What is the nature of a just society?”• Roots the answers in a two-level realityRoots the answers in a two-level reality• The one of changing particulars in our sensesThe one of changing particulars in our senses• The other is an unchanging set of universal truthsThe other is an unchanging set of universal truths• Formed the idea of a philosopher king, who alone perceived Formed the idea of a philosopher king, who alone perceived

the universal truths and so were the only ones fit to rule a the universal truths and so were the only ones fit to rule a republicrepublic

• The physicists loved this idea and formed the backbone of The physicists loved this idea and formed the backbone of their model at least before Einsteintheir model at least before Einstein

• Also is dogmatic; Marx, for example, seized on this idea for Also is dogmatic; Marx, for example, seized on this idea for a perfect socialist state.a perfect socialist state.

Aristotle: In Pursuit of ReasonAristotle: In Pursuit of Reason

• A student of Plato, rejected both the A student of Plato, rejected both the notion of universal truths and psychic notion of universal truths and psychic unityunity

• Argued that mind and matter could Argued that mind and matter could not exist independently of each other. not exist independently of each other.

• Developed the empirical method, Developed the empirical method, whereby observation of things and whereby observation of things and events are the key to understanding events are the key to understanding

• Methods: objectivity, clarity, and Methods: objectivity, clarity, and consistencyconsistency

• He applied these methods to He applied these methods to observing plants and animals, city observing plants and animals, city state constitutions, and literary forms. state constitutions, and literary forms.

• Also invented the syllogism, the basis Also invented the syllogism, the basis of inductive reasoning. of inductive reasoning.

Aristotle: EthicsAristotle: Ethics

• Basic aim of ethics: to achieve both Basic aim of ethics: to achieve both happiness and the good life happiness and the good life ((eudaimoniaeudaimonia))

• Eudaimonia is defined in terms of the Eudaimonia is defined in terms of the object: eye is to see, racehorse is to object: eye is to see, racehorse is to run fast; knife is to cut. run fast; knife is to cut.

• Ultimate aim is Ultimate aim is aretearete (virtue and (virtue and excellence)excellence)

Aristotle: The Golden MeanAristotle: The Golden Mean

• There is a need for balance between There is a need for balance between two extremes; between:two extremes; between:

• Excess and scarcity, there must be Excess and scarcity, there must be moderationmoderation

• Cowardice and recklessness, there Cowardice and recklessness, there must be bravery or couragemust be bravery or courage

• All these involve reason to arrive at a All these involve reason to arrive at a balanced moral conductbalanced moral conduct

Aristotle: Politics and the Aristotle: Politics and the StateState

• Applied reason to analyze the state by comparing Applied reason to analyze the state by comparing the constitution of 150 city statesthe constitution of 150 city states

• Argued that some were more fit to rule than Argued that some were more fit to rule than others, so advocated an elitism.others, so advocated an elitism.

• Government should exist for the sake of the state, Government should exist for the sake of the state, not the individual, lest competing interests reduce not the individual, lest competing interests reduce the state to squabbling faction the state to squabbling faction

• Ideal form: governance by the middle class (Golden Ideal form: governance by the middle class (Golden Mean hypothesis between tyranny and anarchy)Mean hypothesis between tyranny and anarchy)

• Humans can reach their potential only in the Humans can reach their potential only in the context of state society; man is thus a political context of state society; man is thus a political animalanimal

Aristotle on DramaAristotle on Drama

• Tragedy: the cause of how an unfortunate ending Tragedy: the cause of how an unfortunate ending comes to becomes to be

• An initiation of action that brings pity and fearAn initiation of action that brings pity and fear

• An error in judgment made by a superior manAn error in judgment made by a superior man

• Should be confined to the unities of time and Should be confined to the unities of time and place—a single place on a single day. place—a single place on a single day.

Conclusion of this Section. Conclusion of this Section.

• Greeks formed city states but shared Greeks formed city states but shared a culturea culture

• Warring was common despite the Warring was common despite the advances in philosophy, arts, advances in philosophy, arts, architecture, and dramaarchitecture, and drama

• The next stage: an empire, first under The next stage: an empire, first under Philip of MacedoniaPhilip of Macedonia

• Then under Alexander the Great, his Then under Alexander the Great, his son.son.