Moral Vision in the Histories of Polybius

by Arthur M. Eckstein

Overview

Arthur Eckstein's fresh and stimulating interpretation challenges the way Polybius' Histories have long been viewed. He argues that Polybius evaluates people and events as much from a moral viewpoint as from a pragmatic, utilitarian, or even "Machiavellian" one. Polybius particularly asks for "improvement" in his audience, hoping that those who study his writings will emerge with a firm determination to live their lives nobly. Teaching by the use of moral exemplars, Polybius also tries to prove that success is not the sole standard by which human action should be judged.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520914698
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	09/01/2023
Series:	Hellenistic Culture and Society , #16
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	325
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Arthur M. Eckstein is Professor of History at the University of Maryland