Honour in Aristotle's Ethics - (Edinburgh History of Honour in the Ancient Greek World) by Kleanthis Mantzouranis (Hardcover)

About the Book

A thorough re-evaluation of the nature and workings of honour in Aristotle's psychology and ethics.

Book Synopsis

Why does Aristotle label honour (timē) as the 'greatest' among the external goods required for the good life (eudaimonia)? And how does this statement relate with human emotions and Aristotle's famous assertion that human beings are by nature political animals? Despite the dominant place of honour in Aristotle's philosophy of human affairs (ethics, politics, rhetoric), its role has been grossly understudied, mainly because honour has been erroneously conceived as an outmoded notion out of sync with modern preoccupations and concerns. Drawing on contemporary sociology, philosophy and psychology, this monograph offers a thorough re-evaluation of Aristotelian timē that challenges common assumptions both about ancient and about modern 'honour'. Aristotle's incisive remarks on the role of timē in human psychology and behaviour reveal that, far from being a parochial concept, Greek timē is indicative of a universal human concern for esteem and social recognition in our lives as social beings.

Review Quotes

This excellent and systematic book combines philosophical analysis and scholarly accuracy to vastly improve our understanding of honour and respect - a central but unduly neglected topic in Aristotle's ethics. Mandatory reading for all students of Aristotle's ethics - especially for philosophers struggling to see how Aristotle relates to modern ethics.--Øyvind Rabbås, University of Oslo