Emotion and Historiography in Polybius’ Histories

The book provides a detailed examination of emotions in Polybius' Histories, offering a holistic treatment of his use of emotion, reevaluating stereotypes and stances towards emotion, and using modern philosophies of emotion and political theory to illuminate the ancient text. It also analyzes audience-based emotion and Polybius' unique vision of emotion as a primary benefit for his readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Polybius' Histories provide a comprehensive examination of emotions, offering the first extensive evaluation of an ancient historian's treatment of emotion. This study goes beyond Polybius' criticism of previous historians, delving into a holistic analysis of his use of emotion. It reevaluates ancient and persistent stereotypes and stances towards emotion, exploring the groups of people typically associated with emotion and the dichotomy between emotion and rationality. Through new interpretations of significant passages in Polybius' Histories, such as the causation of the Second Punic War and the theory of the cycle of constitutions and mixed constitution, the text sheds light on fresh perspectives. By employing modern philosophies of emotion and political theory, the study illuminates the ancient text. Moreover, it analyzes audience-based emotion (as opposed to purely character-based emotion) and Polybius' unique vision of emotion as one of the primary benefits for his readers to derive from history.

Polybius' Histories: A Comprehensive Examination of Emotions

In his renowned work, Polybius' Histories, the ancient historian delves into a profound exploration of emotions, offering a comprehensive evaluation of his treatment of this complex subject. This study extends beyond Polybius' criticism of previous historians, providing a holistic analysis of his use of emotion. It reevaluates ancient and persistent stereotypes and stances towards emotion, examining the groups of people typically associated with emotion and the dichotomy between emotion and rationality. Through new interpretations of significant passages in Polybius' Histories, such as the causation of the Second Punic War and the theory of the cycle of constitutions and mixed constitution, the text sheds light on fresh perspectives. By employing modern philosophies of emotion and political theory, the study illuminates the ancient text. Moreover, it analyzes audience-based emotion (as opposed to purely character-based emotion) and Polybius' unique vision of emotion as one of the primary benefits for his readers to derive from history.

Reevaluation of Ancient and Persistent Stereotypes and Stances towards Emotion

Polybius' Histories challenge and reevaluate ancient and persistent stereotypes and stances towards emotion. He moves beyond his criticism of earlier historians, delving into a more comprehensive exploration of the role of emotion in human experience. This study reexamines the groups of people typically associated with emotion, such as women, slaves, and foreigners, and challenges the notion that emotion is solely reserved for the elite or the rational. Polybius recognizes the emotional experiences of a wide range of individuals and groups, highlighting the importance of considering emotion in historical analysis.

New Interpretations of Important Passages in Polybius' Histories

Through new interpretations of important passages in Polybius' Histories, the study offers fresh insights into the ancient text. It explores the causation of the Second Punic War, a pivotal event in ancient history, and examines Polybius' theory of the cycle of constitutions and mixed constitution. By analyzing these passages in the context of modern philosophies of emotion and political theory, the study sheds light on the emotional dimensions of historical events and the political implications of different constitutional systems.

Use of Modern Philosophies of Emotion and Political Theory to Illuminate the Ancient Text

The study employs modern philosophies of emotion and political theory to illuminate the ancient text. It draws upon the works of influential thinkers such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Marx to analyze the emotional experiences and political implications of the characters and events portrayed in Polybius' Histories. By comparing and contrasting these modern perspectives with the ancient text, the study offers a deeper understanding of the emotional complexities and political tensions of the ancient world.

Analysis of Audience-Based Emotion (as Opposed to Purely Character-Based Emotion) and Polybius' Unique Vision of Emotion as a Benefit for Readers

Polybius' Histories offer a unique perspective on emotion by focusing on audience-based emotion (as opposed to purely character-based emotion). Polybius recognizes that his readers are emotional beings and seeks to engage their emotions through his historical narrative. He understands that emotion can be a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting history, and he uses it to convey his message and provide his readers with a valuable learning experience. By analyzing the audience-based emotion in Polybius' Histories, the study highlights the importance of considering the emotional experiences of historical actors and the impact that emotions can have on historical events and outcomes.

In conclusion, Polybius' Histories provide a rich and nuanced examination of emotions, offering a comprehensive evaluation of an ancient historian's treatment of this complex subject. This study goes beyond Polybius' criticism of previous historians, delving into a holistic analysis of his use of emotion. It reevaluates ancient and persistent stereotypes and stances towards emotion, exploring the groups of people typically associated with emotion and the dichotomy between emotion and rationality. Through new interpretations of significant passages in Polybius' Histories, the study sheds light on fresh perspectives. By employing modern philosophies of emotion and political theory, the study illuminates the ancient text. Moreover, it analyzes audience-based emotion (as opposed to purely character-based emotion) and Polybius' unique vision of emotion as one of the primary benefits for his readers to derive from history. Polybius' Histories continue to inspire and inform modern scholars and readers, reminding us of the importance of considering the emotional dimensions of human experience and the role that emotions play in shaping our understanding of the past.

Weight: 607g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032423623