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?
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.
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What was the consequence of the Athenians attempting to suppress their pious hopes?
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What is Thucydides' purpose in writing his work?
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How does Thucydides view the relationship between truth and the glories of Athens?
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What is the title of Thucydides' only work?
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What does Plato's Republic primarily deal with?
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Thucydides examines political life primarily through the lens of ideal political theory.
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What does Thucydides claim his History is meant to be?
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Which of the following themes is central to Thucydides' work?
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What initial claim do the Spartans make regarding their war against Athens?
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Thucydides discusses the opposing theses about justice from the perspectives of _______ and _______.
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According to the Athenians, what compels political communities to acquire empires?
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The Melians believe they are justified in resisting Athenian imperial rule.
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How do the Athenians respond to the Melians' argument for justice?
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What is the ultimate fate of the Melians after their dialogue with the Athenians?
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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.