Lecture Notes: Ancient Greek Influence on Philosophy and Psychology

Introduction

Exploration of why philosophers like Nietzsche and Camus returned to ancient Greece for insights into human psychology.
Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy: Critiques Western rational philosophy through the lens of ancient Greek storytelling and Dionysus.
Camus' absurdism influenced by the myth of Sisyphus.
Focus on two major literary works: Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

Lived in the 8th century BCE, predating philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Criticized by Socrates for not seeking truth and praised for poetic skills.
Plato viewed Homer as a great poet but warned of poetry's emotional impact on society.
Aristotle acknowledged Homer as a pioneer of storytelling, emphasizing the narrative over the storyteller.
Homer was blind, possibly enhancing his storytelling memory.
His epics likely existed in oral tradition before being recorded.

Centers on the Trojan War, possibly based on a mythologized version of a real conflict.
Key characters: Achilles (Greek hero), Hector (Trojan hero), Odysseus, Paris, and various gods.
Conflict Origin: Abduction of Helen by Paris, leading to a war fueled by male rivalry and divine intervention.
Themes:
- Courage and Honor: Courage is highly valued; it is displayed in battle to gain respect.
- Revenge: Achilles' wrath and desire for revenge after Patroclus' death.
- Divine Influence: Gods often intervene in human affairs, affecting fate.
- Human Agency: Limited free will; actions influenced by emotions and divine will.

Abduction of Helen leads to Menelaus’ duel with Paris.
Agamemnon's refusal to return a captive daughter leads to Achilles’ withdrawal from battle.
Achilles' anger and withdrawal result in Greek losses until Patroclus’ death triggers Achilles’ return.
Achilles kills Hector in revenge but is left in grief.
War's futility highlighted by its origin over a woman and resultant loss of life.

Values: Courage, honor, and the consequences of revenge.
Male dynamics: Disrespect leads to conflict, emphasizing the importance of honor.
The role of fate: Characters’ destinies are often predetermined by divine forces.
Cultural Reflection: The epic portrays the primal instincts behind human actions and societal structure.

Follows Odysseus' 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.
Odysseus faces numerous challenges, including divine interference and the suitors courting Penelope.
Themes:
- Loyalty: Odysseus' perseverance to return to his wife and son.
- Journey vs. War: The Odyssey reflects on the challenges of returning home, contrasting with the Iliad’s focus on war.
- Divine vs. Mortal Agency: Odysseus navigates trials using intelligence rather than brute strength.

Telemachus seeks his father; Odysseus is held captive by Calypso.
The gods intervene to allow Odysseus' return.
Odysseus faces various trials, including encounters with Cyclops and witches.
Upon returning, he must reclaim his identity and home from the suitors.
The epic concludes with Odysseus' reunion with Penelope and the restoration of order.

Focuses on survival and the psychological toll of war.
Loyalty and homecoming are central themes; a soldier’s struggles continue post-war.
Cultural Commentary: Reflects on human agency and the necessity of personal responsibility.

Different Focus: Iliad emphasizes physical courage and honor; Odyssey emphasizes mental endurance and loyalty.
Character Development: Achilles represents raw power; Odysseus represents cunning and resilience.
Themes of Fate: Iliad portrays a deterministic view; Odyssey suggests the potential to overcome fate.
Philosophical Shift: Iliad influenced by passion; Odyssey reflects a turn towards rationality and personal responsibility.

Homer's epics explore fundamental aspects of human nature and psychology.
The blend of passion, courage, and rational thought highlights the duality of human experience.
Significant influence on Western culture and philosophy, setting the stage for later philosophical inquiry.