a) In a philosophical context, hubris refers to foolish pride exhibited without requisite abilities. This concept is often seen in ancient Greek literature as the inherent failure of an epic hero. A boastful attitude leads to overconfidence and ultimately results in a decline of power.
Sophocles, who was an Ancient Greek tragedian, demonstrated this concept in his play Oedipus the King. Initially, Oedipus was a capable and attentive leader who listened to his people. However, as the story progressed, his own pride and stubbornness began to affect his ruling and resulted in a personal and political demise. Furthermore, the impact of hubris is not only limited to leaders, but to entire governing systems as well. This topic is presented
…show more content…
It can be the overall subject as seen by Sophocles and Thucydides, or an underlying effect that contributes to the outcome of the story. This is demonstrated by Plato when he used Socrates in the Apology and Phaedo. The Apology is an ironic title as it is an account of the speech Socrates makes at his trial after being charged with the corruption of Athenian youth, among other things. However, Socrates speech is the opposite of an apology as he defends himself and his actions. After he is sentenced to death, Phaedo tells the story of Socrates’ final hours and the uncompromising mentality that he upheld. While Apology and Phaedo are not centered around hubris and decline, both stories feature aspects of Socrates’ pride and the persistent belief that he had the right to spread his philosophical ideas. Overall, Plato’s was right to support the philosopher-king as his recounts of Socrates establish the foundation of Western …show more content…
Plato and Aristotle were philosophers in ancient Greece who critically studied and later expanded on subjects such as ethics, politics, and science. Throughout the centuries, the majority of Plato’s literature survived while roughly 80% of Aristotle’s work was lost. Nonetheless, Aristotle’s contributions have been more influential in the development of philosophical thought, particularly in the field of science and logics. The works of both philosophers have significant historical value and established the foundation for modern philosophy. After studying under Socrates, Plato became a prominent philosopher in ancient Greece and later all throughout Europe. In the beginning, his work was heavily influenced by Socrates. Most of these works were written in the form of dialogues and incorporated the Socratic Method, or the process of asking questions to expand knowledge. As Plato grew older and became more confident in his own ability as a philosopher, he began to explore human and societal morality and virtue. It was during this period of his life that he wrote The Republic, which is a Socratic dialogue regarding Plato’s vision of a utopian
The term hubris refers to the act of extreme pride in a foolish manner. Lastly, all the Greek heroes are decedents of the gods, whether it be one of the major gods or minor deities. Heroes have some form of divine relative that gives them an advantageous connection during the ancient Greek era. These traits merge together to create a traditional Greek Hero.
When you are a part of a family there is an unbreakable bond between you and your family members. A sense of duty and responsibility to care for one another, watch out for one another, and never ever turn your back on your family no matter what. In Sophocles’ Greek tragedy, “Antigone” Antigone is the family member that has been given the choice, to be loyal to her family and what she feels is right or submit to the laws of the state and go against everything that she holds dear. Antigone is a tragic hero who is bold enough to go against even the head powers of the state.
Pride can be one of man's strongest qualities. In Sophocles' play, Antigone, the Theme of pride becomes the cause for destruction for both Creon and Antigone in the play.. Creon's Pride blinds him to the injustice he commits against Antigone and the gods. Antigone's pride leaves her no choice but to be killed because of her beliefs. They Both automatically surrender to their own hubris and demonstrate how uncontrolled pride leads to personal downfalls and destruction in Antigone.
Plato an ancient Greek philosopher, whose philosophical work influenced the founding of western thought. Born in 427 B.C in the town of Athens, during the time of the Peloponnesian War Plato witness the collapse of Athenian democracy and emergence of an Oligarchy, establish by the Spartan. The repressive system of government was known as the “the thirty” the thirty were elected officials who managed all of Athens affairs. However, the end result of the thirty was repressive governing for the Athenian people who were accustom to democracy. This was one major event, that had a profound impact on Plato life, due to the unjust ruling placed upon the Athenian people, by 403 B.C democracy was restored once again and Plato had an interest in politics,
“Humble yourself or life will do it for you,” is a common quote used by many. This idea of being humble to avoid consequences applies well to the book Antigone by Sophocles. It shows how if one has too much pride, they will be humbled in one way or another. In Antigone, Creon had tunnel vision, not listening to anyone. His fatal flaw was hubris, ultimately leading to the downfall of him.
“It’s clear to me that to die now and escape my troubles was a better thing for me” (Apology 41d). Socrates was a very wise man who gave deep and intellectual ideas regarding a human’s purpose in life and afterlife. He was arguing with the Men of Athens (the jury) because he was accused for disturbing the peace. Socrates was a mentor to Plato (who writes Phaedo, Symposium, Apology, and Republic about Socrates’ philosophical views) and was essential to the development of philosophy in classical Greece. Plato writes these books about Socrates’ life to dive deep into his thoughts, truth, and worldview.
Plato ideas of Socrates teachings were published by him in the dialogue called The Republic. During this time he was asking too many questions of those in authority and that led him into trouble. He was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens with his teachings8. Philosophy is so embedded into our society it is impossible not to see it. Socrates heavily impacted how, many subjects are taught and how we view the world.
Hubris means death from excessive pride. An example of hubris that is used in Odyssey is when Odysseus returns back home from his voyage and he unites with his son to plot to kill all the suitors. One of the main suitors that were killed was Antinous. “Odysseus/ Took dead aim at Antinous’ throat and shot,/ And the arrow punched all the way through/The soft neck tissue. Antinous fell to one side” (Lombardo 336).
A modern definition of hubris is extreme pride and very high self-confidence, but in Greek society hubris meant violent and excessive behavior not an attitude. Though high confidence was a common trait, when your confidence affects your actions in a horrible way. A person accused of hubris will most likely be punished. You can be punished with death, banishment to the Underworld, or any other horrible tasks that seem fit. A lot of examples of hubris are found in literature such as the Bible or any other fiction work.
Making enemies and becoming the topic of conversation, the Athenians began to view Socrates as a threat to their beliefs and way of life and sought to end it. In order to end this, Socrates was accused of blasphemy (Mod1SlideC7). Socrates’s accusers took him to court and after Socrates did not play their game by asking to be sent into exile, and in the end, he was sentenced to death. After reading the textbook and Plato’s writing influenced by Socrates, I realized that in the period of his life Socrates was indeed truly a threat to the Athens society, because he looked for answers that no one else bothered to find which challenged their culture.
Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers throughout time, and as a philosopher he tried constantly to bring explanations to the world he lived in. Many other philosophers had created their speculations on how the world fundamentally works, defining different mechanisms and presenting certain ideas to try to explain why things are the way that they are. One of the greatest of these systems was created by Plato, the teacher and friend of Aristotle. Plato believed that reality consisted of the World of Being in which truth existed in the form of perfect forms, as well as the physical World of Becoming which is like an imperfect reflection. Aristotle rejected this idea, refusing to believe that truth lay hidden in a mystic realm in which we may never come to know it.
When he was young he studied music and poetry. According to Aristotle, Plato developed the foundations of his metaphysics and epistemology by studying the doctrines of Cratylus, and the work of Pythagoras and
Countless countries have been run by rulers that had no discipline, courage, or wisdom, they just had a high enough number of currency in their bank account. In book one of The Republic Throsymachus states, “I declare justice is nothing but the advantage of the stronger”. In his book titled, Might is Right, Ragnar Redbeard states, Government is founded on property; property is founded on conquest; conquest is found on power; all power is founded on brain and brawn.” According to the Merrium-Webster Dictionary, brawn is “the physical strength in contrast to
The Athenian philosopher Plato is one of the most influential figures of the Ancient Greek World and the entire history of Western thought. Plato was a dedicated man who focused on his creation of philosophy that would justify Socrates, “the best, also the wisest” man he had ever known (Robephiles). Plato was the first to ask many questions that philosophers would be obsessing over for the next couple thousands of years. Over the lifetime of Plato, his most famous piece of work included his dialogue called the Republic. Taking a closer look at Plato’s work and contributions, he never wrote systematic treatises expressing his own views but instead wrote brilliant dialogues.
Socrates never wrote philosophical text, his knowledge and philosophies were expresses based on the writings of his students such as Xenophon, Aristotle and Plato. Plato has been the most influential and valuable of all his students, based on Socrates philosophy and life. Plato was born in Athens, Greece in 427 BC. He was known as the “divine teacher”. He founded the first institution of higher learning in the Western world which was called, “The Academy”.