Moral Vision in the Histories of Polybius / Arthur M. Eckstein.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Eckstein, Arthur M., author.

Series:

Hellenistic culture and society ; Volume 16.

Hellenistic Culture and Society Series ; Volume 16

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Polybius. Historiae.

Polybius.

Polybius--Ethics.

Ethics, Ancient.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (331 p. )

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley, California : University of California Press, [1995]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Arthur Eckstein's fresh and stimulating interpretation challenges the way Polybius' Histories have long been viewed. He argues that Polybius evaluates people and events as much from a moral viewpoint as from a pragmatic, utilitarian, or even "Machiavellian" one. Polybius particularly asks for "improvement" in his audience, hoping that those who study his writings will emerge with a firm determination to live their lives nobly. Teaching by the use of moral exemplars, Polybius also tries to prove that success is not the sole standard by which human action should be judged.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ONE. Introduction: Polybius and "Machiavellianism"

TWO. Polybius's Aristocratic Ethos: Deeds of Personal Courage

THREE. Polybius's Aristocratic Ethos: Honor, War, and Wealth

FOUR. Polybius's Aristocratic Ethos: Deceit and Good Faith

FIVE. Threats to the Social Order in The Histories, and the Polybian Response

SIX. The Art of Generalship as the Imposition of Order

SEVEN. Politics: Greece and Rome

EIGHT. Optimism and Pessimism

NINE. Conclusion: The Duty to Act

APPENDIX: POLYBIUS ON DRINKING AND DRUNKENNESS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

GENERAL INDEX

INDEX OF POLYBIAN TERMINOLOGY

INDEX LOCORUM

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780520914698

0520914694

9780585160276

0585160279

OCLC:

1163878657