Ancient Greek philosophers developed logical reasoning around values of polytheism and aesthetics; however, such philosophers began to question reality as they discovered various influences of materialism, spirituality, and knowledge. For example, Socrates, a Greek Athenian philosopher renowned for his contribution to ethics and founding of Western philosophy, denounced Grecian gods in saying that humans have the capability to become wise, an idea in which he was later executed for. Socrates believed that the best way for people to live is through self-development and growth as a populace rather than through democratic forum under one being. Therefore, religion and science ultimately failed to coincide because philosophers stressed the importance of intellectual virtues, a turning point in Grecian society as it went against the status quo; as religion always stood for a safe haven under the existence a super-human, science defined why humans should uphold philosophical opinions for to benefit themselves and the republic. Iliad by Homer and Oedipus the King or otherwise known as Oedipus Rex in Latin written by Sophocles were significant pieces of literature to emerge during 1000BC-429BC. Another piece of literature, Odyssey, by Homer along with Iliad, is generally thought of as a pair since the Odyssey is a sequel to the Iliad. The significance of the Iliad and the Odyssey are that they were the first pieces of Greek literature during the 1,000 BC – 449 AD era. These two poems set the guidelines and standards that writers even today imitate. The theme of “tragedy” was greatly influential and shaped most of the Greek and Roman writings of this era. One of the most significant plays that came out after Homer’s dialogues was Oedipus the King, which was also based upon the theme, tragedy. This play of Sophocles’ is considered a great literary work due to its carefully constructed tragic events and popularity among the Greeks and Romans when it was first introduced as a play.
By: Chloe, Amanda, Crystal, & Isabel
Team 4’s analysis of the point where the ancient Greeks began to reason for science over religion is well rounded and accurate, but fails to link how the Iliad, Odyssey, and Oedipus Rex contribute to this profound shift in Greek thinking and culture. It is true that the prior to the era of Socrates, few philosophers dared to challenge the preconceived notion of religion triumphing worldly logic; Indeed, Socrates paid for his daring actions. But how does Oedipus Rex contribute to this overall shift?
ReplyDeleteIn Oedipus Rex, Socrates does little to express his radical ideas, and in fact supports the old notion that the gods can thwart any attempt by man to transcend the gods will. While Oedipus uses his worldly knowledge to solve the riddle of the Sphinx resulted in the mortal populace revering his intelligence and pronouncing him king, ultimately in going against the prophecy the gods brought upon him, Oedipus brings his own downfall. Fate overrides man’s feeble attempt to outsmart the gods.
Furthermore, the Iliad and the Odyssey again serve not to bolster the radical idea of wisdom and science in lieu of religious might. The plight of Odysseus and his men are a direct result of his attempt to insult the gods, overwhelmed by his ‘super-human’ wisdom in cunningly defeating the Cyclops. Once again, the power of the gods decisively defeats the relatively puny power of human reasoning, a recurring theme in both Oedipus Rex and the Odyssey.