Thucydides+essay

toc How does Thucydides conceive of the role of justice among political communities? In this essay, you will attempt to figure out what Thucydides thinks is the role of justice in politics. Are all invocations of justice merely smokescreens for the play of power and interest? Does Thucydides agree with the Athenian thesis on justice? =Instructions= =Resources= include page="Thucydides bibliography" editable="true"
 * Do some research. Read the assigned reading, and read beyond the assigned reading if possible. Take a look at some of the articles and books listed below, or find your own if you think those articles listed below are not helpful.
 * After reading and doing your research, decide on a thesis: Thucydides thinks the role of justice is X or Y. (E.g., he does not think justice plays much of a role in politics).
 * Remember that Thucydides hardly ever speaks in his own name: he puts words in the mouths of others, according to what he thinks the situation and character of the speakers demanded. So he //shows// what he thinks, but he doesn't //say// it. Just because he has the Athenians say that the strong lord it over the weak at Melos does not mean that is what he thinks. (Of course, it does not mean that is //not// what he thinks either).
 * Support your view with quotations and citations from Thucydides. Do not quote my lectures. Use other scholarly articles as needed, but remember that scholars often disagree.
 * The best way of quoting Thucydides is to use book and chapter number: thus the Melian dialogue runs from 5.84 to 5.116.
 * Structure your argument so as to support your thesis. Do not include irrelevant information (like, e.g., who Thucydides was) unless you are trying to use that information to make a point.
 * Your concluding sections may contain your own evaluation of Thucydides' view: e.g., you think that what Thucydides shows about justice is untrue because X or Y. A conclusion need not simply repeat something you have already said, unless there is some gain in summarizing.
 * If you get stuck, don't hesitate to contact the instructor.