Lesson 1- Golden Age of Athens

Lesson 1: The Golden Age of Athens

• Overview

  • Key themes to discuss:

    • Introduction to Political Thought

    • Historical context:

      • The Golden Age of Athens

      • Comparison of rival city-states: Sparta vs Athens

      • The Peloponnesian War

      • Thucydides’ Realism

      • The Melian Dialogue

      • Pericles’ Funeral Oration

    • Group brainstorming guide questions

Introduction: What is Political Thought?

• Politics Defined

  • Complex social phenomenon involving:

    • Activities of governments

    • Political parties and figures

    • Lobbies, interest groups, general public

• Study of Politics

  • Involves the exercise of authority (Heywood, 2001)

Political Science

• Types of Studies:

  • Empirical Studies:

    • Focus on observable facts.

    • Employs scientific methods to analyze data.

    • Emerged from positivism, stressing that scientific knowledge is the only valid knowledge.

      • Examples include:

        • Role of civil service in policy-making

        • Supreme Court's role in legislation.

  • Normative Studies:

    • Concerning ‘ought’—best social and political orders.

    • Linked to ethics, values, and moral codes.

    • Engenders intellectual disputes with no definitive answers—relativism plays a role.

      • Controversial topics: capital punishment, abortion, gender equality.

The Golden Age of Athens

• Key Locations and Structures:

  • Major geographic and architectural features included the Acropolis, Parthenon, and various temples and theatres (e.g., Theatre of Herodes).

Greek City-States (The Polis)

• Contrast Between Sparta and Athens:

  • Sparta:

    • Militaristic society, superior army.

    • Relatively poor, dependent on agriculture.

    • Oligarchic governance, allied with oligarchic factions.

  • Athens:

    • Thriving commercial hub, superior navy.

    • Wealth derived from trade and resources.

    • Democratic governance allowing all male citizens, excluding women, foreigners, and slaves.

      • Enhanced power through Delian League.

    • Ultimately fell due to Plague of Athens and subsequent military defeat.

The Peloponnesian War

• War Dynamics:

  • Began in 431 B.C.E.

  • Ideological conflict: democracy (Athens) vs oligarchy (Sparta).

  • Notable events: Athenian attack on Melos in 416 B.C.

• The Melian Dialogue:

  • Explores ethics in international politics vs national interests and power dynamics.

Thucydides’ Realism

• Key Concepts:

  • Emphasizes power struggles and fear in international relations.

  • Advocates for realpolitik where might determines right.

  • Athenian failings highlighted; overstretching resources leads to downfall.

Pericles’ Funeral Oration

• Significance:

  • Speech delivered honoring fallen soldiers, reflecting on the societal costs of war and loss of civic values.

Discussion Questions:

• Explore foundational concepts of civilization versus anarchy.

• Reflect on Thucydides’ notions of warfare as a teacher and its impact on Athenian morality.

• Debate ethical implications in politics: Are virtues necessary for a civilized society?

• Analyze the Melian argument's effectiveness against Athenian realism.