Thucydides and His Historical Approach

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Questions and Answers

What does Thucydides suggest about the Athenian approach to foreign policy?

It suggests that no political community can successfully conduct its foreign policy on an openly amoral basis.

What do the Athenians believe regarding their moral superiority?

They think they should rule purely based on calculation of profit.

They feel righteous anger is justified in foreign policy. (correct)

They believe they deserve their empire due to their moral superiority. (correct)

They do not see the need for any moral considerations.

The Athenian thesis encourages them to treat conquered peoples according to their self-interest.

False

Pericles speaks of Athenian moral superiority in terms of their superior generosity to others without calculation of _____ or loss.

profit Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the Athenians attempting to suppress their pious hopes?

It led to a religious explosion that caused disaster and defeat in the expedition to Sicily. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thucydides' purpose in writing his work?

To reveal the truth about human affairs. Signup and view all the answers

How does Thucydides view the relationship between truth and the glories of Athens?

He believes that the truth about political life is more enduring than the glories of Athens and her empire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Thucydides' only work?

History of the Peloponnesian War Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato's Republic primarily deal with?

Political order Signup and view all the answers

Thucydides examines political life primarily through the lens of ideal political theory.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Thucydides claim his History is meant to be?

A possession for all time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following themes is central to Thucydides' work?

Athenian imperialism Signup and view all the answers

What initial claim do the Spartans make regarding their war against Athens?

They are waging a just war to liberate Greece from Athenian tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

Thucydides discusses the opposing theses about justice from the perspectives of _ and _.

Athenians, Spartans Signup and view all the answers

According to the Athenians, what compels political communities to acquire empires?

Fear, honor, and interest Signup and view all the answers

The Melians believe they are justified in resisting Athenian imperial rule.

True Signup and view all the answers

How do the Athenians respond to the Melians' argument for justice?

They deny the existence of just gods and assert that all actions are driven by self-interest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate fate of the Melians after their dialogue with the Athenians?

They are enslaved and slaughtered. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Thucydides and His Work

Thucydides authored the History of the Peloponnesian War, a detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta.
He regarded this war as the most significant and catastrophic war based on his experiences.
His approach contrasts with Plato's Republic, emphasizing practical political life over idealized regimes.

Nature of Thucydides' Historical Account

Thucydides aims to be more than a mere chronicler, intending to provide a permanent possession for future generations.
Thomas Hobbes praised Thucydides, comparing his historical achievements to renowned figures like Homer and Aristotle.
The narrative serves as a foundation for political wisdom and philosophical insights rather than just recounting events.

Athenian Imperialism and Justice

Central to Thucydides' analysis is the theme of Athenian imperialism and its justification of power dynamics.
Athenians argue that justice is irrelevant in power politics; might supersedes right, especially among unequal powers.
Spartans present their cause as a just war against Athenian tyranny, appealing to a moralistic framework.

The Athenian Perspective

Athenian envoys claim their imperial ambitions are driven by fear, honor, and self-interest, making their actions inevitable.
In the Melian Dialogue, Athenians dismiss the justice of their empire, claiming that justice has no relevance unless among equals.
Thucydides invites readers to question the lack of a moral order and the validity of Athens' claims about justice and power.

The Spartan Position

Despite advocating for liberation from Athenian imperialism, Spartans are motivated by fear of their growing power.
Thucydides notes that Spartan adherence to justice is at times hypocritical, as they engage in morally questionable actions for self-interest.
Spartan actions reveal a dual nature of striving for both justice and self-preservation.

Notable Events: The Melian Dialogue and Mytilenean Debate

Melians resist Athenian dominance, believing divine justice will protect them; however, Athens proceeds with their annihilation.
The debate over the fate of Mytilene demonstrates Athenian moral dilemmas, oscillating between harsh punishment and mercy.
Diodotus argues for sparing the Mytileneans, leveraging self-interest over punitive justice to sway Athenian opinion.

Thucydides' Critique of Imperialism

Both Athens and Sparta are portrayed with moral complexities; Athens emerges as openly amoral in its imperialistic motivations.
Thucydides suggests that no political entity can successfully conduct foreign policy based on an amoral stance without consequences.
Instances of Athenian brutality toward subdued populations contradict their own principles of self-interest.

Conclusion and Implications

Thucydides critiques the Athenian view that self-interest justifies actions, indicating an inherent conflict between moral claims and imperial practice.
His work captures the tensions in human nature and power politics, suggesting that both fear and morality shape political actions and decisions.### Athenian Imperial Ambition
Pericles highlights the moral superiority of Athenians based on their generosity and ambition.
Athenians aim for an unlimited empire, demonstrating a willingness to face great dangers for glory.
Moral superiority linked to a belief in deserving imperial success and "eternal fame."

Justice vs. Self-Interest

Athenians claim to balance justice with self-interest but still hope for rewards based on their merits.
Despite rejecting pious hopes, they cannot fully suppress their aspirations for divine favor.

Religious and Political Consequences

Athenian attempts to purify Delos reflect their desire for divine approval amidst imperial ambitions.
A shift towards extreme religious fervor contributed to disastrous outcomes, notably in the Sicilian Expedition.

Thucydides’ Perspective

Thucydides positions himself as a seeker of truth, focusing on human affairs rather than power or glory.
His work is intended as a timeless resource for understanding political life, emphasizing the permanence of truth over fleeting glory.

Pursuit of Wisdom

Thucydides' writing reveals his own journey in wisdom, advocating for a life dedicated to truth and understanding.
The significance of justice is underscored as an unavoidable concern for any state, affecting both governance and societal interactions.

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Description

Explore the insights of Thucydides in his seminal work, History of the Peloponnesian War. This quiz covers his contrast with Plato, the significance of Athenian imperialism, and the deeper philosophical implications of his narratives. Test your knowledge of Thucydides' impact on political thought and historical writing.