The Political Thought of Homer

FAIN: FB-54111-09

Peter J. Ahrensdorf
Davidson College (Davidson, NC 28036-9405)

I seek support for a book-length study of the political thought of Homer, focusing on his teaching concerning such central themes of political philosophy as the conflict between justice and self-interest; the relation between rationalism and virtue; and the relative merits of the political life and the theoretical life. While Homer has always been regarded as a poet of the first rank, it is forgotten today that such political philosophers as Thucydides, Plato, and Machiavelli considered him to be a foundational political and moral thinker as well. The most prominent traditional scholars of Homer offer illuminating insights concerning political and moral themes in the epic poems, but nevertheless treat those insights as flashes of poetic inspiration or as inherited cultural values rather than as the cohesive political and moral teachings of a theoretical mind. The goal of my work is to restore Homer to his rightful place among the principal figures in the history of political thought.

Associated Products

Homer on the Gods and Human Virtue: Creating the Foundations of Classical Civilization (Book)
Title: Homer on the Gods and Human Virtue: Creating the Foundations of Classical Civilization
Author: Peter J. Ahrensdorf
Abstract: na
Year: 2014
Publisher: New York: Cambridge University Press
Type: Single author monograph
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

Homer on the Gods and Human Virtue, Chinese translation (Book)
Title: Homer on the Gods and Human Virtue, Chinese translation
Author: Peter J. Ahrensdorf
Abstract: The Chinese translation of my book, with a new preface by me, was published in December 2022, by Huaxia Press. I attach the link in Chinese below under Access Model.
Year: 2022
Access Model: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/cPx2N_5285pU0dvpB-Da2w
Publisher: Huaxia Press
Type: Translation
Translator: Zhang Juan
Copy sent to NEH?: No

---