POLI100: Discussion Notes on Thucydides

POLI100: Introduction to Politics, Fall 2025

Week 5, October 6: Discussion Outline

PT 1: Introduction to Thucydides

  • I. Biography:

    • Study of Thucydides, a historian of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE).

  • II. "Peloponnesian War" as a Historiographical Unit of Interpretation:

    • The Peloponnesian War spans from 431 BCE to 404 BCE, lasting 27 years.

  • Thucydides' "Syngraphe" or "Writeup":

    • Divided into three major segments:

    • A. Archidamian or Ten Years War (431-421 BCE)

    • B. Peace of Nicias (421-414 BCE)

    • C. Decelean or Ionian War (414-404 BCE)

  • Three Turning Points in the War:

    1. The debates that occur in Book I:

      • i) Corcyrans at Athens

      • ii) The Two Debates at the Peloponnesian Conference

    2. In the fifth year, discussed in Book III:

      • i) Debate at Athens (about Mytilene)

      • ii) Debate at Plataea

    3. In the sixteenth and seventeenth years of the war, covered in Books V and VI:

      • i) Debates in Book VI

      • ii) The Melian Dialogue in Book V

Reference

  • Notable reference: Robert Strassler, ed., "The Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War" (New York: Free Press, 1996).

PT 2: Analysis of Texts

Contrasting Pericles' Funeral Oration with The Melian Dialogue
PT 2.A: Book Two (1-103)

  • I. Narrative:

    • A. Beginning of Peloponnesian War (431-430) - First Invasion of Attica - Funeral Oration of Pericles: [1-46]

    • B. Second Year of War (430-429) - The Plague of Athens - Position and Policy of Pericles - Fall of Potidaea: [47-70]

    • C. Third Year of War (429-428) - Investment of Plataea - Naval Victories of Phormio - Thracian Irruption into Macedonia under Sitalces: [87-116]

  • II. Topics:

    • A. Pericles' Funeral Oration (Book II, 34-46):

    1. Context: Public funerals customarily held in honor of dead soldiers; this one after the first campaign in winter 430.

    2. Focus of the Speech: Pericles idealizes Athenian democracy and empire rather than solely honoring fallen soldiers. Emphasis on:

      • The city (Athens) rather than individuals.

      • A few words on forefathers and their legacy in preserving Athenian freedom.

    3. Analysis with Reinhold Meyer: Pericles delivers an extensive analysis of Athenian democratic society and government, serving as an encomium of Athenian values.

Values and Life in Athens

  • Pericles outlines the qualities of Athenian society:

    • v) Individualism in private life, tolerance of others.

    • vi) Self-directed respect for authority, written and unwritten laws.

    • vii) Provisions for relaxation through public games and sacrifices.

    • viii) A high standard of living.

    • ix) Foreigners are welcome in Athens.

    • x) Education in Athens is liberal and includes leisure for the pursuit of personal happiness.

    • xi) Courage in war is voluntary, not forced by law.

    • xii) All citizens are encouraged to be active in political life and policymaking.

    • xiii) Athens acts out of perceived justice in foreign affairs, not self-interest.

    • xiv) Versatility and adaptability of individual Athenians.

    • xv) Athens admired universally for extending power.

Mortimer Adler's Commentary

  • Pericles’ or Thucydides provide criteria for judging cultures based on their effects on happiness:

    1. Wealth viewed as a means to an end, not an end in itself.

    2. Leisure should be prioritized over business; mind over matter.

    3. Opportunities provided for refreshment through arts and sciences.

    4. Mind's good should be valued above bodily goods, avoiding excess.

    5. Cultivating simplicity and modesty, while censure extravagance.

    6. Civic virtue should be honored above mere success.

  • Political Problem: The tension between the best life and international relations.

PT 2.B: Book Five (1-116)

  • I. Narrative:

    • A. Tenth Year of War - Deaths of Cleon and Brasidas - Peace of Nicias (422-421) [1-24]

    • B. Feeling Against Sparta in Peloponnese - League of Mantineans, Eleans, Argives, and Athenians - Battle of Mantinea and breaking up of the League (421-416) [25-83]

    • C. Sixteenth Year of War - The Melian Conference - Fate of Melos (416) [84-116]

  • II. Topics:

    • A. The Melian Dialogue:

    1. Who are the Melians? Inquiry into their identity and political stance.

    2. The "Dialogue": Examination of the conversation between the Athenians and Melians, exploring political philosophy.

    3. Meanings and Outcomes: Analysis of implications with respect to Pericles' Funeral Oration, the Investment of Delium, and Athenian cosmology.

    4. Thucydides' Limitations: Critique on what Thucydides lacks in his approach and narrative.

    5. Political Philosophy: Introduction to concepts explored through Thucydides’ works and their relevance in contemporary politics.