Free Speech and Democracy in Ancient Athens

This book explores the contrast between our modern understanding of free speech and that of the ancient Athenians.

Arlene W. Saxonhouse (Author)

9780521721585, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 February 2008

246 pages
22.7 x 15.9 x 1.5 cm, 0.34 kg

'… Free Speech and Democracy in Ancient Athens is an invigorating work that will be of interest to both classicists and political scientists/theorists alike.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

This book illuminates the distinctive character of our modern understanding of the basis and value of free speech by contrasting it with the very different form of free speech that was practised by the ancient Athenians in their democratic regime. Free speech in the ancient democracy was not a protected right but an expression of the freedom from hierarchy, awe, reverence and shame. It was thus an essential ingredient of the egalitarianism of that regime. That freedom was challenged by the consequences of the rejection of shame (aidos) which had served as a cohesive force within the polity. Through readings of Socrates's trial, Greek tragedy and comedy, Thucydides's History, and Plato's Protagoras this volume explores the paradoxical connections between free speech, democracy, shame, and Socratic philosophy and Thucydidean history as practices of uncovering.

Prologue: four stories
Part I. Introduction: 1. The legacy of free speech
2. Democratic amnesia
Part II. Aidos: 3. The tale of two gyges: shame, community, and the public/private self
Part III. Parrhesia: The Practice of Free Speech in Ancient Athens: 4. The practice of free speech
5. The trial of Socrates
Part IV. The Limits of Free Speech: 6. Truth and tragedy
7. Thucydides's Assemblies
8. Protagoras's shame and Socrates's speech
Conclusion: four paradoxes.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Ancient religions & mythologies [HRKP]