Courage and Cowardice in Ancient Greece

Courage and Cowardice in Ancient Greece

Author: Andrei G. Zavaliy

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-07-20

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 3030476065

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The book offers the first comprehensive account of the debate on true courage as it was raging in ancient Greece, from the times when the immensely influential Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were composed, to the period of the equally influential author, Aristotle. The many voices that contribute to this debate include poets, authors of ancient dramas and comedies, historians, politicians and philosophers. The book traces the origin of the earliest ideal of a courageous hero in the epic poems of Homer (8th century BCE), and faithfully records its transformations in later authors, which range from an emphatic denial of the Homeric standards of courage (as in comedies of Aristophanes and some Dialogues of Plato) to the strong revisionist tendencies of Aristotle, who attempts to restore genuine courage to its traditional place as an exclusively martial, male virtue. Without attempting to cover the whole of the Western history, the book is able to explore the most important primary Greek sources on the subject matter in greater details, and provide the reader with a comprehensive picture of the changes in both popular and philosophical conceptualizations of the standards of courage from the Archaic period to the middle of the 4th century BCE. A deeper understanding of the history of the debate on courage should help to shape the modern discussions as well, as it becomes obvious that many of the questions on courage and cowardice that are still raised by the contemporary authors from different fields, have been thoroughly considered during the early stages of Greek culture. The book seeks to undermine a common stereotype of a single, unified view on courage and cowardice in Ancient Greece and shows that the current debates on what constitutes genuine courageous character can be traced to the various direct and indirect discussions on this subject matter by the ancient authorities.


The Mystery of Courage

The Mystery of Courage

Author: William Ian Miller

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2009-07-01

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 0674041054

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Few of us spend much time thinking about courage, but we know it when we see it--or do we? Is it best displayed by marching into danger, making the charge, or by resisting, enduring without complaint? Is it physical or moral, or both? Is it fearless, or does it involve subduing fear? Abner Small, a Civil War soldier, was puzzled by what he called the "mystery of bravery"; to him, courage and cowardice seemed strangely divorced from character and will. It is this mystery, just as puzzling in our day, that William Ian Miller unravels in this engrossing meditation. Miller culls sources as varied as soldiers' memoirs, heroic and romantic literature, and philosophical discussions to get to the heart of courage--and to expose its role in generating the central anxieties of masculinity and manhood. He probes the link between courage and fear, and explores the connection between bravery and seemingly related states: rashness, stubbornness, madness, cruelty, fury; pride and fear of disgrace; and the authority and experience that minimize fear. By turns witty and moving, inquisitive and critical, his inquiry takes us from ancient Greece to medieval Europe, to the American Civil War, to the Great War and Vietnam, with sidetrips to the schoolyard, the bedroom, and the restaurant. Whether consulting Aristotle or private soldiers, Miller elicits consistently compelling insights into a condition as endlessly interesting as it is elusive.


Ancient History, Ancient Warriors and Stories of Courage

Ancient History, Ancient Warriors and Stories of Courage

Author: Stephen Bost

Publisher: Writers Club Press

Published: 2002-03-01

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 0595219225

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Silently and with purpose the two emissaries from the East moved up the steep, rocky mountain path. They quickly moved towards their destination carrying rich gifts as well as a message in the form of a question to the most sacred oracle in all of ancient Greece. The results of this meeting would have some profound effects upon the rest of history. History can teach us many things, but most importantly it should show us a new way of looking at the problems of today so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Here are stories from out past that are exciting, entertaining, and full of adventure. These stories are also full of courage and bravery and include mysterious Wisemen, mystical dreams, breathtaking daring-do, and, perhaps, some ideas to contemplate. We will tell about how the ancient Greeks rallied themselves and decided to defend their newfound freedom and democracy against the much larger invading force from Persia. We will describe the battles that they won and lost. We will also tell about how Alexander-the-Great took the war to Persia in order to bring back the treasures that had been stolen from Greece.


Andreia

Andreia

Author: Ralph Mark Rosen

Publisher: Mnemosyne, Supplements

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13:

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This volume examines issues of courage and manliness in the ancient world. Taking the Greek concept of Andreia as its starting-point, it sheds new light on the contruction of cultural identity, and the use of value terms in that process.


The Greatest Classics of Ancient Greece

The Greatest Classics of Ancient Greece

Author: Aristotle

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-22

Total Pages: 3414

ISBN-13:

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The Greatest Classics of Ancient Greece' showcases an unparalleled anthology drawing from the profound well of Hellenic literature, spanning the epic to the philosophical, the tragic to the comedic. It casts a wide net over the variegated tapestry of Greek literary tradition, encapsulating the diverse methodologies, themes, and stylistic flourishes that have come to define Western literary and intellectual culture. Highlighting works that range from the heroic odysseys of Homer to the penetrating dialogues of Plato, and the stirring tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, this collection stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek thought, artistry, and narrative genius. The anthology not only revels in the beauty and complexity of these ancient texts but also places them within the broader context of their societal, philosophical, and historical significance. The contributing authors and editors, themselves legends like Aristotle, Plato, and Sappho among others, are foundational figures whose works have shaped not just literary but also philosophical and political thought across millennia. Their collective output represents a confluence of the many streams of Greek intellectual and artistic achievement, with each contribution reflecting the nuanced cultural, historical, and intellectual contexts of their creation. This rich background underscores the anthology's alignment with pivotal cultural and literary movements, from the heights of Athenian drama to the philosophical inquiries of the Hellenistic period, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of Ancient Greek literature. 'The Greatest Classics of Ancient Greece' is essential reading for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the foundational texts of Western civilization. This anthology offers a unique lens through which to explore the vast landscape of Greek literature, providing a detailed overview of its themes, styles, and historical import. It is not merely a collection to be appreciated by scholars but an invitation to all who wish to explore the depths of human thought, emotion, and creativity as encapsulated in these timeless works. Through its careful curation and scholarly commentary, this collection fosters a dialogue between the ancient authors and the modern reader, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich literary heritage of Ancient Greece.


Ancient Greece from Homer to Alexander

Ancient Greece from Homer to Alexander

Author: Joseph Roisman

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-07-12

Total Pages: 480

ISBN-13: 1405127759

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With fresh, new translations and extensive introductions and annotations, this sourcebook provides an inclusive and integrated view of Greek history, from Homer to Alexander the Great. New translations of original sources are contextualized by insightful introductions and annotations Includes a range of literary, artistic and material evidence from the Homeric, Archaic and Classical Ages Focuses on important developments as well as specific themes to create an integrated perspective on the period Links the political and social history of the Greeks to their intellectual accomplishments Includes an up-to-date bibliography of seminal scholarship An accompanying website offers additional evidence and explanations, as well as links to useful online resources


Cowardice

Cowardice

Author: Chris Walsh

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2014-09-28

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 140085203X

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A provocative look at how cowardice has been understood from ancient times to the present Coward. It's a grave insult, likely to provoke anger, shame, even violence. But what exactly is cowardice? When terrorists are called cowards, does it mean the same as when the term is applied to soldiers? And what, if anything, does cowardice have to do with the rest of us? Bringing together sources from court-martial cases to literary and film classics such as Dante's Inferno, The Red Badge of Courage, and The Thin Red Line, Cowardice recounts the great harm that both cowards and the fear of seeming cowardly have done, and traces the idea of cowardice’s power to its evolutionary roots. But Chris Walsh also shows that this power has faded, most dramatically on the battlefield. Misconduct that earlier might have been punished as cowardice has more recently often been treated medically, as an adverse reaction to trauma, and Walsh explores a parallel therapeutic shift that reaches beyond war, into the realms of politics, crime, philosophy, religion, and love. Yet, as Walsh indicates, the therapeutic has not altogether triumphed—contempt for cowardice endures, and he argues that such contempt can be a good thing. Courage attracts much more of our attention, but rigorously understanding cowardice may be more morally useful, for it requires us to think critically about our duties and our fears, and it helps us to act ethically when fear and duty conflict. Richly illustrated and filled with fascinating stories and insights, Cowardice is the first sustained analysis of a neglected but profound and pervasive feature of human experience.