Written Assignment

Written Assignment Unit 1

University of the People

PHIL 1402-01 Introduction to Philosophy

Shanee Ellington

April 2024
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Thucydides: The Realist Thinker of Ancient Greece

Thucydides, an ancient Greek historian and thinker, stands as one of the earliest proponents

of realism in philosophy. This paper explores his life, his realist philosophical outlook, and

his enduring influence on political thought.

Biography

According to [Link] editors (2023), Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian and

general, born around 460 BCE in Athens. He was a contemporary of Socrates and lived

during the Golden Age of Athens, a period of flourishing in the arts, philosophy, and politics.

Thucydides is most famous for his work "History of the Peloponnesian War," which is

considered one of the earliest and most influential works of historical writing ([Link]

editors, 2023). His writing style was distinct in that he sought to present events as accurately

as possible, emphasizing the political and military aspects of the war.

The era and culture in which he lived

The era in which Thucydides lived was characterized by the rivalry between Athens and

Sparta, leading to the Peloponnesian War (Gomme, 2024). According to Gomme (2024), this

was a time of great intellectual and cultural advancement in Ancient Greece, with prominent

thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaping the philosophical landscape. It was

also a time of political upheaval, as Athens transitioned from a democracy to an oligarchy

and back to a democracy during the Peloponnesian War ([Link] editors, 2023). This

environment influenced Thucydides' perspective on the nature of power, politics, and

conflict, which is reflected in his realist philosophical view. Realism, in this context, refers to

an approach that emphasizes practical aspects, rational analysis, and a recognition of the

harsh realities of human behavior and politics (Lebow, 2008).

Reasons for why he is interesting

Initially, I gravitated towards Thucydides after encountering numerous references to him in

Lebow's (2008) "The Ancient Greeks and Modern Realism: Ethics, Persuasion, and Power."

Notably, Thucydides is esteemed as one of the earliest Western historians to systematically

and analytically document historical events. His methodical approach, delving into the causes

and repercussions of events while exploring human nature within the context of war and

politics, laid the groundwork for many enduring principles in historical writing. Thucydides'

work surpasses earlier historical works with its deep analysis and enduring influence on the

study of history, it is impressive.

Philosophical View and its Reflection on Realism: Description and Examples

Reading Dodge's (2016) research, Thucydides' philosophical view can be characterized as

realist, as he focused on the practical aspects of politics and human behavior rather than

idealistic or moral considerations. He believed that the behavior of individuals and states

could be explained by rational, self-interested calculations and that the struggle for power

was a fundamental driver of historical events. Thucydides was skeptical of claims to moral

superiority or divine intervention in human affairs, emphasizing instead the role of human

agency and political interests in shaping history.

One example of Thucydides' realist view is evident in his famous account of the Melian

Dialogue in his "History of the Peloponnesian War," mentioned in the Alker (1988) article.

The dialogue between the Athenian envoys and the leaders of the neutral city-state of Melos

illustrates Thucydides' skepticism of moral justifications in the realm of international

relations (Alker, 1988). The Athenians, representing power and self-interest, make it clear

that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must, emphasizing the harsh

realities of political and military power dynamics.

Another example can be found in Thucydides' analysis of the causes of the Peloponnesian

War, explained in Lebow’s (2008) article. Thucydides attributes the conflict to the inevitable

clash between the rising power of Athens and the fear it instilled in Sparta and its allies.

Thucydides' emphasis on power, self-interest, and the predictable patterns of human behavior

in the political realm aligns with the realist philosophical tradition.

Thucydides' Viewpoint Opinion: Validity and Endurance

In my opinion, Thucydides' realist viewpoint was valid in his time and continues to be

relevant today. His emphasis on the role of power, interests, and human nature in shaping

historical events provides valuable insights into international relations, politics, and conflict.

While some may argue that his perspective is overly pragmatic and neglects moral principles,

as pointed out by Dodge (2016), the enduring relevance of his work suggests that his realist

viewpoint offers a timeless understanding of the complexities of human behavior and

political dynamics.

If Thucydides lived in my town today, I believe his views would still remain valid, albeit

within the context of modern geopolitics. The enduring power struggles, conflicts, and

alliances at the international level reflect the patterns and dynamics that Thucydides observed

in ancient Greece. However, the evolving nature of warfare, technology, and global

interdependence would require adaptations of his views to address contemporary challenges.

Nonetheless, his realist perspective on politics and human behavior provides a valuable

framework for understanding the enduring realities of power and conflict in the modern

world.

In conclusion, Thucydides' realist perspective on power, politics, and conflict remains

relevant today, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and

international relations. While adapting to modern challenges is necessary, his enduring

framework provides a timeless understanding of the dynamics of power and conflict in the

contemporary world.
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Reference

Alker, H. R. (1988). The Dialectical Logic of Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue. The American

Political Science Review, 82(3), 805–820. [Link]

Dodge, K. E. (2016, April 28). The Devil is in the Details: A study of how Ancient Greek

historian Thucydides’ greatest work, the History of the Peloponnesian War, changed

historiography. Portland State University, Portland,

Oregon.[Link]

article=1086&context=younghistorians

Gomme, A. (2024, April 11). Thucydides. Encyclopedia Britannica.

[Link]

[Link] editors. (2023, June 30). Thucydides. Retrieved from

[Link]

Lebow, R. N. (June 9, 2008). The Ancient Greeks and Modern Realism: Ethics, Persuasion,

and Power. In Bell, D. (Ed.), Political Thought and International Relations (26-40). Verlag:

Oxford University Press.

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