Oedipus Rex: Fate, Free Will, and Philosophy

These flashcards summarize key concepts from the lecture notes on Oedipus Rex, focusing on the interplay of fate, free will, and philosophical themes.

What prophecy does Oedipus fulfill in the play Oedipus Rex?

He unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and marries his mother, Jocasta.

What is determinism as discussed in Oedipus Rex?

Every event, including human actions, is determined by preceding causes.

How does free will manifest in Oedipus's actions?

Oedipus exercises choice in seeking the truth and punishing himself.

What is the concept of compatibilism in the context of the play?

It suggests that fate and free will can coexist if agency is defined by voluntary action.

How does Oedipus's quest for truth highlight the theme of moral responsibility?

He accepts accountability by administering his own punishment, reflecting the dignity of the tragic hero.

What role does blindness play in Oedipus Rex?

Blindness symbolizes ignorance; true insight comes only after Oedipus blinds himself.

What is the significance of the Chorus in Oedipus Rex?

The Chorus represents the will of the gods, emphasizing obedience to fate.

How does the play illustrate dramatic irony?

Oedipus's attempts to avoid the prophecy lead him directly to fulfill it, highlighting the conflict between fate and free will.

What illustrates the clash between libertarian free will and hard determinism in the play?

Oedipus's autonomy is constrained by predetermined destiny, yet his decisions remain significant.

What does Sophocles suggest about the coexistence of fate and free will?

Humans are responsible for their actions, but those actions occur within the bounds of fate.