Gyges' Dilemma: Morality and Happiness in Herodotus and Plato
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Date
2009-03
Authors
Nidever, Timothy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Herodotus and Plato both tell of the usurpation of the Lydian throne by Gyges, a
subject of the king. Both accounts, moreover, maybe interpreted as parables reflecting
on moral choice, external contingency, and their bearing on human happiness.
Herodotus' Gyges, properly understood, is endowed with the resources and affective
responses of a respectable, if ordinary, moral agent. He successfully navigates a pair of
perilous dilemmas that will catapult him, without ambition or malevolence, into ultimate
power, privilege and, presumably, happiness.
Plato's account teases out, clarifies, and reframes issues implicit in Herodotus'
tale, exploring how and why ordinary moral agents may fail in their choices, despite
apparently desirable outcomes, visiting ruin on their potential happiness. In the process
Plato self-critically illustrates the inefficacy of the Socratic elenchus alone to prevent or correct the motivational mistakes of such agents, and vigorously expands the role of
philosophy in securing human happiness.
Description
ix, 108 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.