アテナイ帝国と正義 : 伝クセノフォン『アテナイ人の国制』の場合

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The "Old Oligarch", the author of Constitution of the Athenians, recorded his very interesting observations of the various phases of Athenian democracy during the later half of the fifth century B.C. Among those views, his pointing out of the relation between a marine empire and democracy in Athens is very important because it shows his basic point of view. He recognizes that in reality it is the poor people who are the support and driving force of a sea power and who contribute more to the strengthening of their country than do the nobles and the wealthy. He also considers it to be right that they hold a predominent position and participate in government. It is noteworthy that he uses the words "right" or "rightfully" in this context, for rightness, or justice, is one of the most fundamental subjects in the history of Greek ideas. Moreover, the oligarch's statement justifying the rule of the poor people cannot be found anywhere else in Greek texts. Nevertheless, scholars have not paid due regard to it, and have usually been occupied with the philological interpretation of words, phrases, expressions and statements concerning particular matters in the text. Being diligent about their minute work, they often have neglected examining the basic ideas of this work. This is the reason why the author of the present paper tries to investigate the work in holistic terms from the standpoint of the history of ideas and to make clear the "Old Oligarch's" view of justice; and then marine empire and democracy that were the most important elements constituting the Athenian life in those days, will be revealed from within. The investigation proceeds as follows : 1.The "Old Oligarch" sees many aspects of Athenian democracy in a very biased light, while his observant eye watches its fundamental structure with great presence of mind. As a result his view of democracy seems to be contradictory. So what, we may ask, was democracy actually for him? 2.He seems to accept democracy as a form of government, though he unfavorably criticizes the democratic way of life. In the face of this ambiguous attitude, what on earth, we may ask, did he consider to be valuable in the Athenian situation? And what kind of social class formed the basis of his attitude toward politics? 3.He seems not to have found the value or political idea which has great influence on society and of which he approves, and also loses sight of the social class in which he has close interest. Yet he affords an excellent insight into the reality of Athens. What did he regard as the most important powers supporting the Athenian empire? What's more, what originality was shown in his understanding of Athenian democracy? 4.His view of justice is inseparably related to the existence of the Athenian empire, which he considers to be the highest priority. In that case, what were the characteristics of his view of justice, compared with those of his contemporaries who were more or less similar to him.
1991-07-20

アテナイ帝国と正義 : 伝クセノフォン『アテナイ人の国制』の場合

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