Free Speech and Democracy in Ancient Athens (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521721585)

Free speech in the ancient democracy was not a protected right but an expression of the freedom from hierarchy, awe, reverence and shame. That freedom was challenged by the consequences of the rejection of shame (aidos) which had served as a cohesive force within the polity. Through readings of Socrates's trial, Greek tragedy and comedy, Thucydides's History, and Plato's Protagoras, this volume explores the paradoxical connections between free speech, democracy, shame, and Socratic philosophy and Thucydidean history.

Author: Arlene W. Saxonhouse
ISBN-10: 052172158X
ISBN-13: 9780521721585
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 02/25/2008
Pages: 246
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.76lbs
Size: 8.95h x 6.26w x 0.61d