Implicit Theory of Action in Sophocles' Theban Plays by Mario Slugan

CEU eTD Collection

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of of degree the for therequirements of In partial fulfillment Implicit Theory of Action in Sophocles’ Theban Play Theban Sophocles’ in Action of Implicit Theory Supervi Master of of Master Central European University European Central Department of Philosophy of Department Hungary, Budapest, 2009 Hungary, Budapest, sor: Professor Gábor Betegh Gábor Professor sor: Mario Slugan Submitted to Submitted Arts in By

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CEU eTD Collection financial worries and greatarticulation thesis. this for of theideas value theinitial in exchange general expectations Professor Betegh might I itself. thesis the on work the beyond far extended which support and advice his can only only can Finally, Secondly, owes thesis This ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xrs m ums gratitude utmost my express eeos udn I eevd uig y studies my during received I funding generous rfso Frn Houranszki‟s Ferenc Professor of ideas ideas of enabled meenabled toconcent much to much ih h participants the with Professor G Professor

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CEU eTD Collection BIBLIOGRAPHY CONCLUSION DETERMINISMA CASEFOR CHARACTER GROUPSCONTROL ATRAGICACTION? IS WHAT INTRODUCTION ETHICAL AND OF POLITICAL THEORIES TRAGIC SITUATIONS OVER TRAGIC HORRENDOUS AND ARIS FINAL DETERMINISM CHARACTER FOR ARGUMENT A ROLEFORNECESSITY EXTERNAL NON LITERARY TECHNIQUES OF CHARACTERDETERMINISM T HORRENDOUSWHY DOES NOTSUFFICE TRAGIC FOR HE INITIALHE ACT TRAGIC TABLE OFTABLE CONTE - TOTLE‟S TOTLE‟S TRAGIC ACTIONS - DETERMINATION

...... POETICS

......

AND THEOF NOTION NTS ......

......

...... HAMARTIA ......

......

36 35 33 30 30 26 22 21 19 13 11 iii 9 7 3 3 1

CEU eTD Collection (1999). Sullivan seeS.D. Sophocles by employed vocabulary psychological of analysis the For chapter. for reason on is it as processes psychological on much so not is argument of bit a was 2 for was consulted 1 character non strength of employment of acts for andidentify an twonecessaryand action sufficientconditions tobedeemed tragic. plays. Theban accountsexisting tragicactions of are which ones, tragic namely actions, of certain are there show, will I as But, milk. of glass a drink than rather apple, an eat say, be would she that i.e. two the of either up take not could Antigone or milk drinking as actions such everyday with himself concern not does Sophocles speaking, Roughly ones. tragic H schema determin determin elements actions of kind special a on focuses which thesewhat present descriptions extent ofhuman rich accounts ( plays Theban Sophocles‟ bypopulated world a actingin with

Initially, I termed this notion ‘psychological determinism’. After some consideration it it some consideration After determinism’. ‘psychological notion this termed I Initially, The translation used for the first two plays is that of H.D.W. Kitto (1962). Sir Richard Jebb’s translation (1912) (1912) translation Jebb’s Richard Sir (1962). Kitto H.D.W. of that is plays two first the for used translation The ere, Iere,

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At least two of these thee techniques are present in each of the plays. plays. the of each in present are techniques thee these of two least At of the plays the of undetermined. usin an unfortunate formulation formulation unfortunate an . 2 g

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26). Similarly, discovery is also not necessarily an action; it can be a mental event mental a be can it action; an necessarily not also is discovery Similarly, 26). 12), seem to be12), seem to Greek ofequal in importance tragedies. the the hamartia Guard’s death tragic would be himself. be would tragic death Guard’s not meant exclusivel meant not My A

TRAGICACTION?

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is broken down into into down broken is xact analytic tools for delimiting different different delimiting for tools analytic xact n h cs o te Guard the of case the in

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If an event can be as tragic, or inspiring as much fear and pity as an action does, then tragic actions alone alone actions tragic then does, action an as pity and fear much as inspiring or tragic, as be can event an If 5

In chapter 14 Aristotle explicitl Aristotle 14 chapter In

First of all, epistemic conditions play no role in Antigone‟s tragedy; she is perfectly is she tragedy; Antigone‟s in role no play conditions epistemic all, of First and Creon both that seems It conditions? epistemic in lie question the to key the Does play tragic ideal Aristotle‟s of analysis brief A lea at then, tragedy of account Aristotle‟s with problem The - ng thathe murderedfather. his 21). Furthermore, these deeds “must necessarily be done or not done, and either either and done, not or done be necessarily “must deeds these Furthermore, 21).

Consider the following. the Consider - 679). In fact, Iocasta spoke about the child in order to reassure Oedipus reassure to order in child the about spoke Iocasta fact, In 679). m the clue pointing in the direction that he is Laius‟ murderer, and not and murderer, Laius‟ is he that direction the in pointing clue the m causal impact they might have at the end of the road. It might be the case case the be might It road. the of end the at have might they impact causal

wingly” (1453b36 Poetics Poetics concern itself more with ideal tragedy rather than with the usual tragic text. text. tragic usual the with than rather tragedy ideal with more itself concern

e of what he is doing when he is planning the death of his son. his of death the planning is he when doing is he what of e

Iocasta‟s tell Iocasta‟s y turns to deeds inspiring such emotions. He proposes He emotions. such inspiring deeds to turns y - 37).

Nvrhls, although Nevertheless, . o an explanation in epistemic terms, it would also would it terms, epistemic in explanation an o

s the tale of how Laius‟ tied his own child by by child own his tied Laius‟ how of tale the s –

Oedipus Rex Rex Oedipus l la t mr tai actions tragic more to lead uld Oedipus Rex Oedipus

out can fall short even of any kind of of kind any of even short fall can out st as far as my project is is project my as far as st rm facie prima –

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CEU eTD Collection Aristo the which in make sense the in speaking, not still but subjectively it, improves it not, anything, If worse. does any situation burial the performing and deaths) Eteocles‟ beginn very direction. opposite reversal the From the is the does in good falllucktobad not fromluck,nor Antigone situation. Antigone‟s to orthogonal is it that rites) burial (performing action an of consider we if Butbad. goodto from is Aristotle for reversalideal The on. later bit a discussed be will which famous the and reversal fortune of direction specific a on focus These (1452b30). other itself concerns itself concern words, other In action. the performing person the on rather but action discussion it. of give position executioner. its with bond its of virtue in only tragic become can abst is action the if action tragic a as thing such isno to). There down boils dramaticstructuralproperties actions their for exclusively tragic in action given a towards espouse own its on action the at look to useless completely is (would n which executed, in manner the of cruelty the nor herself, defend to inability end of a Creon, closes. violence of circle the which with son her of death the by triggered suicide Eurydice‟s is point my of demonstration better even An tragic. considered f Oedipu or suicide Heamon‟s c ta ee i ter asl mat a nt s rv a i was it as grave as not was impact causal their if even that act are. Antigone - n hpe 1 Aitte un t “odtos n hc the which on “conditions to turns Aristotle 13 Chapter In murder neither how then shown have I believe I be) victim would suffice to call the deed tragic in the dramatic sense. Then it seems it seems it Then sense. dramatic the in tragic deed the call to suffice would victim be) held

in the ancient ethics ancient the in o illus To r h imdae aiy eain ewe te (would the between relation family immediate the or ing Antigone is in a sorrowful situation (Oedipus‟ discovery, Polyneices‟ and and Polyneices‟ discovery, (Oedipus‟ situation sorrowful a in is Antigone ing by the agent agent the by Antigone with what the characteristics the what with so much much so , is incapable of, isincapable committing suicide. trate the point even further one should should one further even point the trate it will become appa become will it ih what with and an account that the agent or the witnesses of the action might action the of witnesses the or agent the that account an and s‟ self s‟

– (and this is exactly what trying to find necessary conditions necessary find to trying what exactly is this (and

unlike - mutilation respectively mutilation praise in - m rent that even if we cash out the reversal in terms terms in reversal the out cash we if even that rent

of a person who is inclined to perform one one perform to inclined is who person a of odern r blameworthy or racted away from its perpetrator. An action An perpetrator. its from away racted

ethical theories ethical without resorting to attitude to resorting without per se per – bear

but that would not change the the change not would that but cin osss n Rather, in. consists action , nor the (would the nor ,

It is tragic only in view of a of view in only tragic is It

n id that mind in – - that

be) perpetrator and the the and perpetrator be)

was not so much on the on much so not was the the tragic effect depends” depends” effect tragic ancient ethics does ethics ancient hy ol sil be still would they action broken man at the at man broken -

the focus of of focus the be) victim‟s victim‟s be) was (to be) be) (to was s characters s hamartia or

not the tle it 5

CEU eTD Collection C. b papers especially 13 12 Coislinianus Homer in Error Human of the in Elements 11 is it 10 inquiry my For state. or tendency a to points latter the whereas 1992. Press, University Princeton than rather Poetics, intellectual, Aristotle’s on Essays (ed). A.O.Rorty in T Greek and Aristotle in "Hamartia Stinton, 9 8 7 action. particular any of terms 6 relat family the about out find to free was parrincest, for horrendous hecommitted. acts preordained if even Oedipus, that point instead action tragic initial the as otherwise, do to pleas Iocasta‟s of spite in investigation, his with action action tragic initial an be to needs there that point good a makes provided definition the Nevertheless, actions. tragic as dismissed already have I which conditions epistemic disaster. ev of trainconnectedcausally a of startingpoint the is which etc., nature,effect, hamartia makingmistakes." capacityof the giveshim Aris in "denotes interpreted Braam‟s, Van since has part hero‟s tragic the or flaw tragic the agentI referringtoabove. was reversal. entertains

J.Bremer, M. 266 6 (1912) CQ Hamartia," of Use "Aristotle's Braam, van P. In In

h non The

R. D. Dawe, "Some Reflections on Ate and Hamartia," HSCP 72 (1967) 89 (1967) 72 HSCP Hamartia," Ateand on Reflections Dawe,D. R. "Some 711 4 (1971) AJP Review. Kirkwood. G.M. in Quoted Segal, Bremer (1969) p.63. This purely intellectualist interpretation is followed by by followed is interpretation intellectualist purely This p.63. (1969) Bremer hs iw s rcial hl uaiosy mn te uhr i Bloom’s in authors the among unanimously held practically is view This Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus . Furthermore, Dawe Furthermore, .

In conclusion, it is clear that Aristotle‟s accounts of tragic actions rely heavily on on heavily rely actions tragic of accounts Aristotle‟s that clear is it conclusion, In on take al. et Bremer‟s that seems It Perhaps Oedipus Tyrannus: Tragic Heroism and the limits of limits the and Heroism Tragic Tyrannus: Oedipus of the obvious choice obvious the of ” -

exclusive view is, among others, held by G.M. Kirkwood (review of Bremer’s Bremer’s of (review Kirkwood G.M. by held others, among is, view exclusive 11 , Brill, 1998 among others among 1998 Brill, , to an exclusively intellectual one: “A wrong action committed in ignora in committed action wrong “A one: intellectual exclusively an to

as an intellectual as well as a moral a as well as intellectual an as

ions as well as epistemic conditions. Nevertheless, it has been shown that neither neither that shown been has it Nevertheless, conditions. epistemic as well as ions Hamartia: Tragic Error in the Poetics of Aristotle and in Greek Tragedy Greek in and Aristotle of Poetics Error the in Tragic Hamartia: Concept of Hamartia in Aristotle's Poetics Aristotle's in Hamartia of Concept hamartia y Bernard Knox, R.E. Dodds and Pietro Pucci. For an even more recent views on the topic see topic the on views recent more even an For Pucci. Pietro and Dodds R.E. Knox, Bernard y the totle a shortcoming inherent in the general disposition . . . of an agent . . . that . . . agent an of. . . disposition general the in inherent shortcoming a totle 6

bond To the whole play is about the reversal from good to bad and it cannot be cashed out in in out cashed be cannot it and bad to good from reversal the about is play whole the

the the ”

, JHS 115 (1995) 15 (1995) 115 JHS ,

. What had tradit had What . and that the tragedy the that and my mind then reversal of fortune is not the bond between the act and act the between bond the not is fortune of reversal then mind my oa itrrtto wih s f oe ocr. The concern. more of is which interpretation moral

noted above noted ‟s discussion of the topic identifies Oedipus‟ decision to continue continue to decision Oedipus‟ identifies topic the of discussion ‟s

13 – . Schrier also p Schrier .

Laius‟ murder. Laius‟ I topic return will tothis

ragedy," CQ 25 (1975) 221 (1975) 25 CQ ragedy," can be found in what has usually been referred to as as to referred been usually has what in found be can - ionally been thought of as a sort of a moral failing on on failing moral a of sort a as of thought been ionally 28 and and 28

rovide an extensive bibliography on Aristotle's on extensive bibliography an rovide 10 nod i vru fteotoe fti initial this of outcomes the of virtue in unfolds -

715 7 Bremer constrained Ostwald‟s general claim on generalclaim Ostwald‟s Bremerconstrained

O.J. 12 phenomenon. Ostwald‟s hamartia

” Similarly, most of the authors agree authors the of most Similarly, 137 (1989) 92 HSCP , knowledge, 2 knowledge, Schrier, - 72.

possible candidates for conditions of of conditions for candidates possible

shortly.

The Poetics of Aristotle and the Tractatus the and Aristotle of Poetics The , -

54 and N. Sherman, Sherman, N. and 54 boils down to nothing more but but more nothing to down boils and Bremer‟s and 9 nd

- Ostwald claimed that claimed Ostwald 123.

ed. University Oxford Press. 2001. 2001. Press. Oxford University ed.

- ohce’ eiu Rex Oedipus Sophocles’ 156, E. E. omr ons o n action an to points former

(Amsterdam, 1969). (Amsterdam, Schütrumpf M. M. 8

work Finkleberg, Hamartia and Virtue and Hamartia Hamartia ents started being started

Poetics “ nce of its of nce ending in ending Traditional Traditional hamartia ), “ Patterns Patterns T. C. W. W. C. T. on th on

. . . See See .

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For an introduction to these to introduction an For tragedy consider tragic actions in actions considertragic tragedy

There are two points I want to make here. make to want I points two are There between distinction a make to like would I Here, tragic‟, as „perceived as such phrases on heavily relied have I chapter the Throughout TRAGIC HORRENDOUS AND and remorse and without either reover, Lauis‟ attempt on his own son shows that even (would even that shows son own his on attempt Lauis‟ reover, about the overall Greek audience, or perhaps only about a privileged part of part privilegeda about only perhaps or audience, Greek overall the about

sufficient sufficient

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– “essentialist” terms. “essentialist” . Goldhil

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tragic and and tragic b tai‟ ad ae srbd hs perceptions, these ascribed have and tragic‟, be o l “The audience of Athenian tragedy” in tragedy” Athenian of audience “The l hand, is sufficient necessaryhand, butnot for something o h wy n which in way the to these The first is that most of most that is first The the attitudes 14

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Antigone performing burial rites is the starting point of all (in)direct afflictions in in afflictions (in)direct all of point starting the is rites burial performing Antigone c.

hw th shows But th But The F tragifor condition first the be to awareness considerthis I consider us Let The or an act to be tragic it necessarily has to be perceived as horrendous as perceived be to has necessarily it tragic be to act an or

apart only within the context of a given tragedy. given a of context the within only other other drs ne nt e n od; rato i trs f hredu ato will action horrendous a of terms in reaction a words; in be not need address is

at not only a tragic, but a horrendous action as well, well, as action horrendous a but tragic, a only not at in its outcome in its is just not the way in which this particular action is treated in treated is action particular this which in way the not just is

because the end result was the annihilation of his family. The Messenger is Messenger The family. his of annihilation the was result end the because Antigone‟s suicide Antigone‟s point I want to make is that it is not the case that some characters would would characters some that case the not is it that is make to want I point of c mgt e drse wt seil at r s en o rpiad but reprimand, of means as or tact special with addressed be might act

ums iprac to importance outmost in its outcome its in

Antigone performing burial rites. burial performing Antigone n. If an account of the first action in the chain is given in terms of condition A condition of terms in given is chain the in action first the of account an If n.

. 15

the audienceconcur.would

, and be so be and , Teiresias, on the other hand, uses the foreknowledge of of foreknowledge the uses hand, other the on Teiresias, follows. - be) murder of murder be)

un o eta indicators textual to turn Haemon finds it horrendous because he has lost has he because horrendous it finds Haemon

unanimously by whoever addresses it in the in it addresses whoever by unanimously ai‟ men Lauis‟

led to the death of her son. Creon‟s whole Creon‟s son. her of death the to led

the We could easily imagine Sophocles Sophocles imagine easily could We

Creon reacts in reacts Creon

Guard in Guard te (would the ,

is deemed both horrendous and and horrendous both deemed is c action c Antigone dniyn atos as actions identifying uly in the center of a of center the in uly Antigone is deemed tragic tragic deemed is – - e mres f the of murders be)

a dreadful manner dreadful a condition A condition , and even t even and , . All other tragic tragic other All . Oedipus Rex Oedipus and if not on not if and

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A. Lesky, “Decision and Resp and “Decision Lesky, A. C. Sandis, „Gods and mental states: Causation of action in Greek Tragedy and Modern Philosophy of Mind“, Mind“, of Philosophy Modern and Tragedy Greek in action of Causation states: mental and „Gods Sandis, C. J. .. Winnington R.P. dipus”, CW, 72, (1978), 3 (1978), 72, CW, dipus”, - P. Vernant, “Intimations of the Will in Greek Tragedy”, in J. in Tragedy”, Greek in Will the of “Intimations Vernant, P. - - n determination these accounts serve as conditions for the actions we are looking for. for. looking are we actions the for conditions as serve accounts these determination idea the seriously take we can how “For problem: following the to leads determination

argument against against argument over that say and tables the turn could One be should action tragicabove mentioned authors the Accordingto 21 On the other hand, this internal/external over internal/external this hand, other the On ordbrookes.academia.edu/documents/0001/1454/SANDIS_Ch19.pdf the former differs from differs former the hamartia hamartia

and R.P. Winnington R.P. and ethos ; when the Achaean king is faced with the decision whether to sacrifice his his sacrifice to whether decision the with faced is king Achaean the when ; , and unavoidable divine power, power, divine unavoidable and , of humanaction.” dependent - nrm “iplts A td i Cuain, n e. . Reverdin) O. (ed. in Causation”, in Study A “Hippolytus: Ingram, not and Fudto Hrt 16) RP Winnnington R.P. 1960). Hardt, (Foundation

the case that all of the relevant actions can be accounted in those terms. those in accounted be can actions relevant the of all that case the ons be described as ate ocpul oeec of coherence conceptual - 12. , New York, 1988, 49 1988, New York, , onsibility in the Tragedy of Aeschylus”, JHS (1966), p. 78 p. JHS(1966), Aeschylus”, of Tragedy the in onsibility

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ananke

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G. H. 173. pp. (1973) B. Williams, (1981), MacIntyre, A. The best articulation I have found is that of T. Gould (1966). According to him there are two things necessary necessary things two are there him to According (1966). Gould T. of that is found have I articulation best The C. Brown, (2007) pp.6. pp.6. (2007) Brown, C. o Calabresi, P. Bobbitt, (1978). (1978). Bobbitt, P. Calabresi, (2008). see G.Browning, topic the more on 572. For (1994) pp. Bonnig, se to go against.” go to se In although with, familiar am I tragedy with dealing criticism literary recent the of Most ETHICAL AND OF POLITICAL THEORIES TRAGIC SITUATIONS ill involve wrongdoing; by defi by wrongdoing; involve ill tragedy involves a situation where duties are in are duties where situation a involves tragedy y views in more detail. Here, it suffices to say it is tragic by the very virtue it presents itself as a a as itself presents it virtue very the by tragic is it say to suffices it Here, detail. more in views y reserve integrity and honor is to accept the tragic nature of one‟s choice: that is, to is, that choice: one‟s of nature tragic the accept to is honor and integrity reserve ’ –

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Interestingly, Brown disagrees with Calabresi and Bobbitt and finds the choice to be be to choice the finds and Bobbitt and Calabresi with disagrees Brown Interestingly, and and 25 lsar Ma Alasdair

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Problems of the of Problems Tragic choices Tragic

century P.E. Easterling P.E. cho . pp. 143. pp. . -

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hi Bon lo un t Aaenn o ae his make to Agamemnon to turns also Brown Chris 29 , New York ,

Cambridge Companion to Greek Tragedy Greek to Companion Cambridge Sparks S this confl this elf : Norton, c1978. : Norton,

Bernard Williams points to Agamemnon at Agamemnon to points Williams Bernard (2000) (2000) –

I still find that this is a tragic situation. Below, I Below, situation. tragic a is this that find still I ell as in tragic practice see T. Eagleton, (2002) (2002) Eagleton, T. see practice tragic in as ell

ict cannot be wished away wished be cannot ict Philosophy and Tragedy and Philosophy radical confl radical

ud Clbei n Pii Bobbitt Philip and Calabresi Guido

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CEU eTD Collection deeds whichareover ruminated out singled is who Oedipus is it Rather, ones. tragic as out singled are actions these that much so not is it own, his saying or wordsIocasta‟sconveying either pollution, and addressespatricide murder ismade after by Creon ha he self his is to attention special pay the instance, For discovery. the after addre leader its and Chorus treated is murder the which in way the in lies view a against such allLaius‟ becomeaof Mysuspicion actionsay tragic sudden. has murder that th killer the be to discovered is Oedipus after only is It tragic. deemed not certainly is it point that at beginning, very the from lambasted is murder the that true is it Although condemnations. of direst the deserves and deplorable utterly is act character of point agent andexecutioner, orthogonal one agen to effects future its of an of outcomes and case former the in action an of outcomes future of knowledge the would choos situations

as the bearer of this tragedy and the perpetrator of both patricide and incest. It is not the not is It incest. and patricide both of perpetrator the and tragedy this of bearer the as i ignorance in e . The bed where she had borne a double brood, double a borne where had bed she The upon aloud Shecried my child.‟ To own mother,child me, To the leave and yourself, youmeet death did this „Through Rem yearsdead, long Laius,on these called And fast thedoors barred she chamber; her Straight to way her made “She MESSENGER: the by made References it murder Laius‟ consider we If HORRENDOUSWHY to common is What “Not on his head alone, but on them both, but on alone, head his “Not on … fromchi a children husband, from Husband If we drop epistemic premises epistemic drop we If

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words are metaphorical, they nevertheless express concern not only with personal personal with only not concern express nevertheless they metaphorical, are words And drove it half its length into his body.” (1190 hisbody.” into its length half droveit And But, again in did I whatAnd me do? saw what you Remember myown. was that blood, Myfather‟s OEDIPUS: appea words own Oedipus‟ of finale the unlike quite is This isnot one illsare, there The shame lamentation, Death,ruin, now,today, but indeed; happiness Was earlydays of ancient happiness Their has broken. storm wife,common the and Husband Less ruin had I brought on me and mine.” (1295 mine.” on me and brought I had Less ruin day that died I had For - 9 “No thanks I owe I him, thanks “No )

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I borrow the term from Dennett (1984). (1984). Dennett term from the borrow I In This is not not is This Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus ti vely, or for Oedipus’ curse spoken to Polyneices in in Polyneices to spoken curse Oedipus’ for or vely, This brings me to the formulat the to me brings This Oedipus, by incest and patricide of necessity the of perception very this mind my To of case the in that is here note to us for important is What

To put it in Aristotelian terms, this would suggest that nobody regards nobody that suggest would this terms, Aristotelian in it put To tragedy I believe they should be dismissed from the list because they come to be to come they because list the from dismissed be should they believe I tragedy – thought twice before considerably twice me. thought woman a marrying older than

the case for Teiresias’ oracle prophesized to Creon and Oedipus in in Oedipus and Creon to prophesized oracle Teiresias’ for case the e.g. done otherwise” rhetoric is employed only for the the for only employed is rhetoric otherwise” done there is there

then employ “ employ then

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c ta atnm i eecsd n direction a in exercised is autonomy that nce

or Oedipus at Colonus at Oedipus his father, the aforementioned agent still still agent aforementioned the father, his ornos and horrendous action fromaction nowon. presented as as presented

nd in marriage neither of the two, the of neither marriage in nd who refers who – -

7). Arguably, Laius‟ could have have could Laius‟ Arguably, 7). or for marrying Iocasta marrying for or agent whose actions or fate is is fate or actions whose agent

. In the last chapter in which I I which in chapter last the In . ly signif a play

necessary. It is never the the It isnever necessary. hs particular this to Antigone Antigone Lauis‟ attempt on the the on attempt Lauis‟ 35

and and 34 cn rl in role icant

Oedipus‟ or or Oedipus‟

I will refer refer will I Oedipus Rex Rex Oedipus

prophecy prophecy –

e.g.

16 In I

CEU eTD Collection A. under condition bedeemedcourse, horrendous as actactOffor tragic. count should that the to n act the of execution the deem to characters other some for sufficient is it case the not is that When perpetrator. its also is act the considering character the when former the self of accounts the truth. A discovered had Oedipus after only viable is objection age” her considered had I only “If all. seem would action other any how clear not is It Thebes? over rule the awarded marr than do to he was else What in it cast not would else, anybody or Oedipus, one, were there if that, conclude to reasonable is it found, be to nowhere is wedding Iocasta‟s and Oedipus‟ of account complete act an was it shows, clearly account Oedipus‟ as But, nature. necessary its on insistence Oedipus‟ otherwise been has information in crossroads the at incident the conveyed new initially had Oedipus If revealed. after tragic becoming action prior a of possibility the discount lat she have not might or might action the is then, Furthermore, only and conditions, both satisfies A condition action satisfying without B condition satisfy can it and B, condition deeme be to action an for the immediate the ac presence of

n which in - er finds out about the outcomes or the true meaning of her action. action. her of meaning true the or outcomes the about out finds er mutilation t s lo motn t nt that note to important also is It should It B and A conditions words, other In An actiona is And finally: and act and considers character a If

in ”

t the time oft the time marriage motherisinCorinth. iscertain his he terms then Laius‟ murder would become tragic after the reappraisal in spite of of spite in reappraisal the after tragic become would murder Laius‟ then terms CDO

the no

also act need not be violent in order to satisfy notbeviolentinorderany need act to ofthe

osdrto o different of consideration terms terms which practically spell out both alternatives both out spell practically which

be noted that condition that noted be tragic action tragic action such as Antigone‟s account of Polyneices‟ burial or Oedipus‟ account Oedipus‟ or burial Polyneices‟ of account Antigone‟s as such of the outcomes of her action her of outcomes the d tragic. tragic. d tion y the Queen after he had defeated the Sphinx and had been been had and Sphinx the defeated had he after Queen the y if and only if it andonlyifit if satisfies c both

then the action satisfies then the action satisfies n cin a stsy odto A ihu satisfying without A condition satisfy can action An the

jointly

that its executioner could have done otherwise in otherwise done have could executioner its that options options

B condition does not depend on the on depend not does

present sufficient and necessary conditions necessary and sufficient present was . Nor does it depend on whether or not or whether on depend it does Nor B

aig place taking s o te ae as same the not is condition B . The latter are subsumed under under subsumed are latter The . ondition deemed se

. Similarly, although a a although Similarly, .

conditions. conditions. knowledge a character a knowledge Condition B does not not does B Condition .

A andB

“could have done have “could tragic .

Whenever the the Whenever true true reasonable ot necessary necessary ot CDO .

n text a in post hoc hoc post terms. terms.

17 at .

CEU eTD Collection separate thesis. of a topic a be could limit am I Unfortunately, tragic non of examples great provides it that is action of theory for aspect interesting most Its with. itself concerns it d than rather apotheosis is It it. of core the at is that action tragic not is it insofar tragedy peculiar a (1416 it do to not Polyneices imploring Antigone by satisfied is B Condition curse. the 36 you!” implore I come, son, my out, come O madness? Haemon at directed words Creon‟s Creon. conveys by possibility the of aware made certainly are suicide isconcerned, makes Creon apointofthe fact that shecancho a gives it done Haemon and act Antigone‟s as it to refers directly whoever all: are Both does. suicide Antigone‟s as horrendous deemed their is insofar fallout tobe horrendous. much as condition the satisfies burial Polyneices‟ i act an of perception the and causation forward with itself concerns A shown Condition done. be not have should I something characters; the to recourse without own its on only act the regard horrend is it that argued be could it concerned is burial the as far As A. condition satisfy suicides the of all how shown already personal indirect or direct and connection causal their of Invirtue conditions. suic Euridice‟s and Haemon‟s, Antigone‟s, Polyneices, of burial earlier on in attention much given Thebes against campaign his with of focus the in not play the of context

Oedipus’ curse depicts the horror of Polyneices’ campaign as well as Polyne as well as campaign Polyneices’ of horror the depicts curse Oedipus’ character maylive she there tomb; her be shall home “Her CREON: w is now question The to return us Let i Furthermore, The Chorus and Antigone mention only death in the tomb, not suicide not tomb, the in death only mention Antigone and Chorus The CDO CDO (and should have not done it in order to save her life). Moreover, Antigone herself Antigone Moreover, life). her save to order in it done not have should (and trs f i)iet personal (in)direct of terms n and notserve need a condition. formal as – post hoc account hoc post

Or die, as she may choose: my hands are clean” (862 clean” hands are my may as she choose: die, Or

finds it to be problematic just because they find that Antigone could have not have could Antigone that find they because just problematic be to it finds undetermined actions. Moreover, it discusses Oedipus’ responsibility for parrincest. parrincest. for responsibility Oedipus’ discusses it Moreover, actions. undetermined

and the specific attention that is g is that attention specific the and Antigone Antigone

ed in space to provide a detailed analysis of moral responsibility in Theban plays. It plays. Theban in responsibility moral of analysis detailed a provide to space in ed t has already has t Antigone Antigone

or hether they satisfy condition B. Burial presents no problem at at problem no presents Burial B. condition satisfy they hether

of the burial the of Oedipus at Colonus at Oedipus ous only for Creon, and even that only initially. But that is to is that But onlyinitially. that evenand Creon, for only ous rel ad hc wehr cin I ae akd about talked have I actions whether check and briefly . be

– blee hs otxul constraint contextual this believe I

en the only truly tragic action i action tragic truly only the affliction

noted noted . What about the suicides? As far as Antigone‟s Antigone‟s as far As suicides? the about What . by which he implores him to exit: “What is this is “What exit: to him implores he which by that what counts as a tragic act depends on the on depends act tragic a as counts what that

inflicted on the characters. In those terms terms those In characters. the on inflicted

–

iven to iven

nor is Polyneices‟ decision to continue to decision Polyneices‟ is nor Ismene,

(1185

In Haemon‟s case, the Messenger Messenger the case, Haemon‟s In - 3).

the act the

- the the 6) . Creon obviously finds that that finds obviously Creon . ices’ and Antigone’s responses to to responses Antigone’s and ices’ Chorus, Creon, Chorus, ides n .

Oedipus‟ investigation is investigation Oedipus‟ o eiu t Colonus at Oedipus se how tod se how – - 7). 7).

has been explained explained been has satisfy both of the the of both satisfy Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus affliction per se per ie. the the

isaster that that isaster , but they they but ,

Guard, Guard, I have have I 36 18

is – – -

CEU eTD Collection have otherwise. chosen not could he that argue will I accord. hisown himself on 39 38 noted, already 37 over and over decides Oedipus that argued be could It act. single a than rather acts of course now by tragic deemed very the to investigation his taking on insistence unfaltering Oedipus‟ is indeed act tragic initial the that argue will I determined, committed. truth”. the out abo out find to find free was Oedipus that point the not on agrees also Dodds or out find to free was he freedom: one have did “Oedipus eyesnot stabhis he atas peaceheisinthe wouldbe final rather, part out, cycle. of surely would Oedipus case the was latter the if Moreover, now? does it than outcomes tragic partOedipus‟ on knowledge prophecy the imaginethat fate.And his asacceptedbut out spelled it it whattrynotescape did to he did lea never Oedipus Imagine one. tragic a necessarily none role. which wouldfitthe t fit not does suicide Iocasta‟s ones. other the of all to led which act tragic initial an was there (1035 scene the fled has Iocasta after leader c the is that That B. condition Oedi and areactionsall ofthe satisfied by are They unseemly. Eur Finally, otherwise. done have could Haemon his role, and if patricide and incest are not to be considered as tragic then there seems to be to seems there then tragic as considered be to not are incest and patricide if and role, his

Knox, B. (1966). B. Knox, There is no problem of the initial tragic act in in act tragic initial the of problem no is There But Dodds does not stop at that; in his interpretation it is also quite clear that Oedipus chooses to blind blind to chooses Oedipus that clear quite also is it interpretation his in that; at stop not does Dodds But y dice‟s action moments before her suicide claiming that she wo she that claiming suicide her before moments action dice‟s ht hn s h iiil rgc act tragic initial the is then What THE not is act horrendous a why way another in put to well us serve might it Here in acts tragic only the reasoning of line this by Still, pus‟ self pus‟ got 39

the true focus of the drama. the focusof true the INITIALACT TRAGIC

Although I do not agree that the action at hand is free in the sense that it is not is it that sense the in free is hand at action the that agree not do I Although fulfilled. This would be a horrible thing indeed. But would not this lack of of lack this not would But indeed. thing horrible a be would This fulfilled.

- mutilation. (By now (By mutilation. proven wrong moments later (1199 later moments wrong proven

–

murders, suicides, burial, and incest and burial, suicides, murders, or his coming to terms with what he is to do somehow evoke less doless evoke somehowto is he what with terms comingto his or

ase is implied in the exchange between Oedipus and Chorus and Oedipus between exchange the in implied is ase I h ave identified as tragicave in identified

end. An objection might be made that, unlike other acts other unlike that, made be might objection An end. 37

Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus I have have I

- in 9).) But that just does not feel right. In right. feel not does just that But 9).) the still still eiu Rex Oedipus

Chorus rned about the prophecy or that when he he when that or prophecy the about rned satisfies suicide Iocasta‟s that shown not - 211). Thus, both conditions A and B and A conditions both Thus, 211). because the only tragic act is not, as I have have I as not, is act tragic only the because - edr n te esne discuss Messenger the and leader Oedipus Rex Oedipus Acrig o enr Knox Bernard to According ? Antigone –

this act seems to be more of a a of more be to seems act this

ut the horrendous acts he he acts horrendous the ut uld never do something something do never uld .

are Iocasta‟s suicide suicide Iocasta‟s are Antigone Antigone

E.R. 19 - :

CEU eTD Collection terms. making decision decision a 40 ofthisaffairthe bottom nonehappened. ofthiswouldhave self Oedipus‟ suicide Iocasta‟s that truth the of revelation the of virtue the in is it end, the In Creon. and (1146 revelation (1022 deaths own their immediatel Moreover, 1114). of are they then revelation this of more terrified are shepherd you, master!Don implore I “No, opinion: her shares I Theban The (1026). “O, more!” no Seek otherwise: not! do you, do beseech should) (and could Oedipus mind Iocasta‟s In away. backed be could perceived is which act particular he because s or Teiresias (summoning investigation the in step another d not does Oedipus that case the only not is it Therefore, identified be easily can Polyneices, for rites burial performing Antigone to analogue sense the in tragic deemed be can which and truth for every acting instance thecaseAand onthedesire of toresolve B. interms of conditions f to again

It should be should It

hs sm wrs lo ev t stsy odto A Bt Icsa n te Theban the and Iocasta Both A. condition satisfy to serve also words same These fi which one action, crucial the because necessary not is this believe I - making process. Aristotle’s practical syllogism for instance presents a different kind of reasoning in in reasoning of kind different a presents instance for syllogism practical Aristotle’s process. making ollow through with the investigation. If that is the case, then I would have to accountto have I would case,then the is Ifthat investigation.the throughwith ollow is

noted - already decided that nothing will stop him, him, stop will nothing that decided already mutilation takes place. Were it not for Oedipus‟ unshakeable resolve to get to get to resolve unshakeable Oedipus‟ for not it Were place. takes mutilation –

means -

9). The same is true of the rest of the characters: the Messanger, Oedipus, Messanger, the characters: the of rest the of true is same The 9). that, generally speaking, deliberation is not the same as weighing different options during during options different weighing as same the not is deliberation speaking, generally that, ot ask!” (1120). Clearly then, condition B (1120). issatisfied. Clearlycondition ot ask!” then,

- ends reasoning. Wh reasoning. ends y after the truth had been learned the Chorus is horrified by this this by horrified is Chorus the learned been had truth the after y

to be crucial for the revelation of truth and one from which which from one and truth of revelation the for crucial be to enever I use ‘deliberation’ it will be clear that I mean it in CDO CDO in it mean I that clear be will it ‘deliberation’ use I enever –

cross - examination of the Theban shepherd. shepherd. Theban the of examination but it is also the case that there is a is there that case the also is it but eliberate

ending for the Theban shepherd) Theban the for ending 40

whether or not to make to not or whether

nally reveals the the reveals nally

- and and 23, 23, 20

CEU eTD Collection 43 42 41 not is all) at happened have is action particular is action an whether determining for criteria f proposed criteria the agent, the for possibilities character character perform Creon or Antigone Oedipus, like characters even that but actions, their in determined non the only not is it that demonstrate will I Furthermore, virtue ofhischaracter. be can a with confronted when hero, tragic the i cycle Theban the in specifically, More extremely. vary not do circumstances a h which for crucial the in present construal social of implications environment.” byheredityor aredetermined interestshis his anddesires, or valueshis is, that interests byhis determined is action his if determined psychologically is action agent's “an that is character, situations different life.” to respond later will his man throughout a how infancy, early in experiences his of basis the usuallyon predict, to us enabling discover, to beginning are we determinism. which laws,psychological “ psychological Lucas of notion J.R. the to to muchAccording owes idea this noted already have Sophocles‟ in actions tragic which in

Wolf, S, (1980) pp. 152. pp. (1980) S, Wolf, 78. pp. (1970) J.R., Lucas, 1. See footnote decision deemed lhuh t ih b thought be might it Although I hero‟ the is It i actions, tragic of conditions securing After C olds that a person a that olds ti catr I chapter this n

ONTROL GROUPSONTROL unde neemnd ahr hn eemnd noa te odto ietfe alternative identifies condition the insofar determined than rather undetermined

tragic actions in Theban plays. plays. Theban in actions tragic s needed is 43 termined non

tragic

perceived , ,

will inevitably will ilawy cho always will

s inability to break away from character, much more than the the than more much character, from away break to inability s

of 42 il argue will - tragic actions.

the same as claiming that the play overall overall play the that claiming as same the

a particular character particular a by characters as one that could have happened otherwise (or not (or otherwise happened have could that one as characters by scooia dtriim anan ta there that maintains determinism psychological

Another

embark on embark

Theban plays count as as count plays Theban o that condition B is indicative of tragic action being being action tragic of indicative is B condition that a o ptig t wit it, putting of way ht ny rgc cin are actions tragic only that se one and the same course of action if the external the if action of course same the and one se situation demanding situation I will use will I

character second a given a ,

when r eemnn tai ato ae o the not are action tragic determining or n this section I aim to elaborate th elaborate to aim I section this n character

definition above, which I find to be be to find I which above, definition and not and

confronted with a with confronted determined or not. The fact that a a that fact The not. or determined - tragic heroes who are not are who heroes tragic character decision the outcomes of which of outcomes the decision

determinism to denote a stance stance a denote to determinism mr srs o te agent‟s the on stress more h on on another another

character determined ones. ones. determined presents presents situation in which in situation route t will mean that mean will t

the action as action the and do so in in so do and determined. r certain are character e sense e As I As 21 41

CEU eTD Collection arrivesdecided.“ who one 46 Goodness, 45 44 one of description not is play the place. throughout in happens already are What they starts, play the time the by I prefixed; already are What simplifications dead. family the for duty simplifications develop these Furthermore, world. the in occurring conflicts practical the of themselves rid Antigone and Creon by employed simplification values of strategies deliberative Mar which theplay starts advance in well body Polyneices‟ on claims competing their out lay to Creon sense, that In same cl quite is it fact, In is. her for route possible truly only the thus and right the what mind Antigone‟s Nevertheless, t stance Ismene‟s articulate sister her dissuade to efforts Ismene‟s that obvious less no is It „no‟. or „yes‟ either Ismene that aware quite is Antigone implies this Obviously, brother. their burying Iaction. turnto res includes of employment presentation including utterancescharacter explicit than other literarytechniques overall This all). at not (or otherwise happened have could that one

We find out about the proclamation from Antigone even prior to Creon publicly uttering it. uttering publicly Creon to prior even fromAntigone proclamation the about out We find Here I am prone to agree with Bernard Williams: “We are not shown her deciding; she *Antigone+ is another another is *Antigone+ she deciding; her shown not are “We Williams: Bernard with agree to prone am I Here M.C.

as well as articulation of articulation as well as tha Nussbaum‟s view. view. Nussbaum‟s tha processes holds for holds

Nussba As far as my other point is concerned it might be best to present it in opposition to opposition in it present to best be might it concerned is point other my as far As drama The LITERARY TECHNIQUES OF ear that her decision has been made made been has decision her that ear

hogot h woe f h play. the of whole the throughout 51 - 83. um the employment of employment the

t o point no at , (1986) “Sophocles’ “Sophocles’ (1986) , Creon‟s competing decision competing Creon‟s – Antigone Antigone which include the weighing of alternatives of weighing the include which

for Creon the city the Creon for ‟s own ‟s opens with Antigone asking h asking Antigone with opens owards Antigone‟s action as one which can be left unperformed. unperformed. left be can which one as action Antigone‟s owards .

T Shame a Shame heir minds are minds up heir already made

in order these toexplain twocrucial techniques. fixed value system to the other. Both Creon and Antigone describe describe Antigone and Creon Both other. the to system value fixed In her erudite reading of reading erudite her In hogot h woe f h play the of whole the throughout

the nd Necessity. Necessity. nd

Antigone general attitude espoused by characters towards a particular particular a towards characters by espoused attitude general in medias res medias in presents deny CHARACTER : conflict, vision and simplification“, ch.3 from from ch.3 simplification“, and vision conflict, : (pp.86)

to publicly convey his proclamation once again once proclamation his convey publicly to 45 earlier on earlier a further deliberation on them; rather it is the the is it rather them; on deliberation further a the highe the are

d nt ey h gnrl cha general the deny not do I technique er sister Ismene whether she will help her in in her help will she whether Ismene sister er hi dnmc properties. dynamic their Antigone

st value, whereas for Antigone it it Antigone for whereas value, st – by then

DETERMINISM

outside of the play‟s timeframe. T timeframe. play‟s the of outside

has allowed for both A both for allowed has are actively engaging and that they that and engaging activelyare , Nussbaum discusses different discusses Nussbaum , .

s there is srd of shred a

that implies she

atr f these of racter

of the time at at time the of These The Fragility of of Fragility The ntigone and ntigone in order in

in medias in can reply reply can ob in doubt values is the is he 22 44 to .

CEU eTD Collection of hischaracter. to is due action course this that clear is it responsibility, moral for prerequisite a as otherwise” done have “could of notion al and neutral is chapter this in determinism 48 47 action iden canagentan which in room CreonWhen confronts Antigone w it. performed who agent the than other no is action the discussing character the B: condition believe predicament this can be resolve made been had decision irrevocable could that that one and on earlier character hero‟s the to according implies values, static of terms in characters of of use the by exemplified second, The other. the or way one it do to agentthe to up was it presumably, and otherwise, been haveItcould place. takenhave suggests B, condition within contained first, The distinctly meanings different two decidingthe betweencriteria in of lack the also but (498 Antigone and Creon between attempt other. the as value thesupreme counts premisewhat i.e. valid. speaking logically are systems both reasoning; of co flawed be to system other‟s the finds them of each that clear be also should it case, the was converse the if descriptions value possibilities st their

For more on ambiguity in in ambiguity moreFor on D.C. urse of action ofurse . 48 Dennett, (198 Dennett, – hs eutl s tutrly o ifrn ta Da than different no structurally is rebuttal This T N I had dead, lay mother‟smyson when “But of satisfying instance special presents deed a after the action her Antigone‟s account of actions tragic on takes opposing two are there that then seems it it, of surface the On

tc au sses o h ohr A other. the to systems value atic

with the harshest of sanctions of harshest the with At the core of both Dennett‟s and Antigone‟s claims is that there are certainsituationsthereare that is claims Antigone‟s Dennett‟sand both coreof the At hat hat eglected him and left him there unburied, himthere left himand eglected but can seriously en seriously can but Antigone is bound to bury Polyneices where Polyneices bury to bound is Antigone would have caused me grief; this causes none.” (45 none.” causes me this grief; would havecaused of

dealing w dealing

if their own their if 4)

“Could “Could

Greek tragedy seeJ tragedy Greek

ith Polyneices‟ corpse, for there would be no need for any kind of of kind any for need no be would there for corpse, Polyneices‟ ith tify alternative possibilitiestify alternative have . value 47 tertain only one of them. It is preposterous for Antigone not to to not Antigone for preposterous is It them. of one only tertain

done otherwise?“ ch.6 from ch.6 otherwise?“ done Moreover, . - be to systemis ith the decision she thedecision made answerith isthefollowing: her 515) shows not not shows 515) . though his argument is employed only in order to eliminate the the eliminate to order in only employed is argument his though d in the favor of the second viewpoint. of the viewpoint. second d inthe favor The problem is in the premise, and the early exchange exchange early the and premise, the in is problem The - P. Vernant and P. Vidal P. and Vernant P.

tog i i aprn ta te rcgie two recognize they that apparent is it lthough

ah f hm id that finds them of each then one is bound tope one isbound then upheld prima facie prima only how incompatible their premises are are premises their incompatible how only 7 – -

9) because they use the same words with wordssame the becauseuse they whether or not whetheror s Creon is bound to bound is Creon s Elbow room Elbow . The flaw of the offlaw The .

il ent‟ agmn in argument Dennett‟s niel If one believes in a given initial initial given a in believes one If - Naquet (1988). Naquet in m in not that the tragic action need not need action tragic the that edias res edias have been other than it is. I is. it than other been have . Although Dennett’s stance on on stance Dennett’s Although . rform one action and not and oneaction not rform there is only one true true one only is there to perform a particular particular performa to

ir and the description description the and

system outlaw any such such any outlaw

is not onenot is Elbow Elbow

23 .

CEU eTD Collection (199 C. Gillsee very agent that by performed actions words or epistemic articulations privileged agents’ that a claim having the of Shepherd support of spite in the encounter at insofar the incident position during the of states account mental the his to a and access epistemic crossroad information privileged the has on still exclusively Oedipus instance, relies For former execution. the action, the of effects causal Furthe on earlier discussed states. position epistemic mental own her to access 52 paper. this of scope the outside are its mechanisms play, the in characters the responsibili although Furthermore, city. the of supremacy the uphold to is Creon’s whereas below, god the honor to is intention Antigone’s present. clearly be to intentions consider I intention’, As choice. true no is there but decision is there 51 hisson. of death the prophesizes to try (unsuccessfully) to order in change circumstances to the have much how determining for study case best the be might example Creon’s Finally, speech). wh him tell to reappraise to her for is hisinvestigation stop to way only the Presumably, Oedipus. with similar is It on. order presses still but his campaign in change should circumstances in attitude the Polyneices’ radically how unclear is it 50 49 determined. Dennettia along account Antigone‟s res medias as action the describe to not is B as actions tragic superficially.Incase, at Antigone‟s anyacco theleast, very of presentation overall the to opposed be to action. particular tragic description privileged more a presents action, person‟s other some about have might one that account an not and action own one‟s of appraisal agent‟s the is it insofar action, tragic to able being not simply from identifyalternative poss different is that and action of course particular a pursuing finds only viable one possibility two the of either for deciding action s roughly thousand a for somebody torture to dollars. Dennett for absurd is it as much as Polyneices burry

D.C. Here, I would have to agree that the first part of Rivier’s formulation on Aeschylus applies to Sophocles also: also: Sophocles to applies Aeschylus on formulation Rivier’s of part first the that agree to have would I Here, Polyneices burry to decision the for life own her sacrifice to prepared is Antigone that mind in having fact, In It is only a relatively recent development in epistemology which finds that the subject has no privileged privileged no has subject the that finds which epistemology in development recent relatively a only is It Dennett, Dennett, is not really an account of deliberation, weighing two options with a true possibility in in possibility true a with options two weighing deliberation, of account an really not is It could be said that both Antigone‟s and Dennett‟s character disables them from from them disables character Dennett‟s and Antigone‟s both that said be could It

Furthermore, Dennett points out that he would stay firm in his decision even in “any in even decision his in firm stay would he that out points Dennett Furthermore, imilar case”. imilar , the description of characters in terms of static values, and an interpretation of of interpretation an and values, static of terms in characters of description the , o the culprit is. (And even that is not enough if he does not believe in it in believe not does he if enough not is that even (And is. culprit the o

(2002) e nw ta te e kn o Tee mree Lis wees eiu de not. does Oedipus whereas Laius, murdered Thebes of king new the that knows he

Oedipus Oedipus “I Could Not Have Done Not Could “I

49 52 ibilities. What is more, it could be argued that Antigone‟s account of a more, could a is Antigone‟s it What bearguedaccountibilities. that of

Antigone is no different no is Antigone

Then, insofar it identifies alternative possibilities condition B provesB condition possibilities alternative identifies it insofarThen, at

Colonus Colonus

as Nussbaum implies; rather it is a descripti a is it rather implies; Nussbaum as . 51 –

character whereas the latter deals with (the lack of) knowledge of (the final) final) (the of knowledge of) lack (the with deals latter the whereas is the same. He has learned about the disastrous future outcome of outcome future disastrous the about learned has He same. the is rmore, this epistemic access is substantially different from the the from different substantially is access epistemic this rmore, lns ao deig rgc cin as action tragic deeming favor lines n Otherwise Otherwise in tragedies tragedies in far as the second part is concerned, ‘responsibility without without ‘responsibility concerned, is part second the as far reverse a tragic action. This happens only when Teiresias Teiresias when only happens This action. tragic a reverse

undetermined. On the other hand, the use of of use the hand, other the On undetermined. . – 50

So what?” in Kane, R. (ed.) (ed.) R. Kane, in what?” So

do have privileged access to the meaning of the the of meaning the to access privileged have do Thus, Antigone‟s post hoc account of the of account hoc post Antigone‟s Thus, 0).

unt shows that satisfying condition satisfying that unt shows

character vailable at the moment of of moment the at vailable ty is obviously attached to to attached obviously is ty Free Will Free on of a decision that decision a of on –

determined only only determined consider Teiresias’s Teiresias’s consider .

the decision. decision. the character

o a For of a a of 24 in

CEU eTD Collection 53 his investigation. pre and static Imperialat the ofWorms. Diet fu press to not (431 disaster to him riddles solves Oedipus his. of riddle his of terms which th in point practicallya abilities to in Oedipus describe alike Chorus the and Teiresias, Oedipus, (132 on (66 priest the by lead doorstep his to come have they before even people his help to decision the made had Oedipus to turn character him disables are motives his that primogeniture throne. the reclaim cur I byto bemocked eldest way when inthis am brother, my f his in continues nevertheless brief is he denied be to only support father‟s his play the of whole the aspreceding ousted been heby Eteocles Thebes had decision of toreclaimtheonce throne orce again, when once I had shrunk back?“ back?“ shrunk had I once when again, orce

According to the legend Luther exclaimed: “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.”do cannot I stand. I “Here exclaimed: Luther legend the to According se. e nw ta h wl de u i i sil mosbe o hm o il i hs fot to effort his in yield to him for impossible still is it but die will he that knows He Ant like much is Oedipus sense, that In OEDIPUS THEBAN abov outlined techniques two the of employment the illustrate further To Simila in Polyneices with similar is It Oedipus - 4) is nothing more but an expression of the decision made earlier. Moreover, Moreover, earlier. made decision the of expression an but more nothing is 4) - rly rther with his investigation his answer is unequivocal and reminiscent of Luther of reminiscent and unequivocal is answer investigationhis his with rther established character properties whenever he is insisting on the completion of completion the on insisting is he whenever properties character established – : God! I am on the verge of saying it. ofsaying verge am the I : God! on

: And I of hearing it, but hear I must.(1124 I but hear ofhearingit, I : And Rex are practically those implied by Ismene‟s speech. Ismene‟s by implied those practically are

to Antigone to (375 - utemr, h mtvs e gives he motives the Furthermore,

and their connection to his initial tragic action. tragic initial his to connection their and 433). Finally, when implored by both Ioa both by implored when Finally, 433). - h same the 72). His commitment to finding La finding to commitment His 72). to decide of otherwise in spite theimpending doom. - his his 80). When Polyneices finally appears finally Polyneices When 80). campaign:

–

– 53

Polyneices is not moved by the external necessity of Oedipus‟ Oedipus‟ of necessity external the by moved not is Polyneices as that is what he does does he what is that

hs from those “ No, it is not possible. For how could I lead the same same the lead I could how For possible. not is it No, ey becomes the single most important character traits importantcharactertraits singlemost the eybecomes eiu a Colonus at Oedipus (1418

eoe the before igone insofar he is merely expounding on his on expounding merely is he insofar igone - 19) and “It is shameful to be in exile, and exile, in be to shameful is “It and 19) - 5) –

and it brings him fame as well as leads as well as fame him brings it and

ius‟ murderer in a proclamation later later proclamation a in murderer ius‟ - – beginning born“ (1422

epne o Antigone to response shame of exile and the right of of right the and exile of shame Imn rprs f Polyneices of reports Ismene . near c asta and the Theban shepherd shepherd Theban the and asta Then, it is it Then,

the end of the play to ask ask to play the of end the

It becomes apparent that that apparent becomes It f h play the of

- 23).

safe to conclude conclude to safe n that and

of why he he why of e I briefly briefly I e - solving his his 25

CEU eTD Collection not was Guard the that i.e. character of weakness any (388 cast” was lot no time “This made: had he vow the break to decision his of gives Guard the account the from clear o one that fact the the interpret we self Guard‟s however words, other In making. decision Guard‟s the in role significant internal articulated any of lack Oedipus, stand infrontnot to clear ofCreon everagain: inthe Guard‟s vow is possible is bring might chance whatever decision own one‟s of assertion the That outcome. decisa which existencein an as life human Guardsees the that mean (274 place first the in decision demanding position accursed this in him de his with terms to come to order In one. make to need the as well as decision his of outcome returnnot to Inown account alive. the d his of news bad delivering messenger the for uncommon not is it that well quite knows befallen has Creon to report a making of duty unfortunate the whom and straw shortest the of equivalent un was who Guard The and actions. alternatives different of considering outcomes seriously weighing agent indecisive an of illustration great a provides from Guard the which in manner The perform. they actions and heroes cision he initially invokes fate (234 fate invokes initially he cision h fc ta h bek hs ah ae o mas ht ulk fr nioe Creon Antigone, for unlike that, means on later oath his breaks he that fact The he whether But “… GUARD: the of rationalizations the in inconsistent notoriously is Guard the more, is What (224 sure.” swift nor withnot myself, Debating e someone From hear to comes Creon ifit, for smart You‟ll youwretch? still, Standing „What? Anothertime: punishment?‟ certain you to go Whydo fool! „You said me.it say One time to To turn I gaps the in fill and further point my substantiate to order In NON “… My mind had much mind had “… My

or Polyneices or - - contradictory views on how the events in the world unfold (by chance or fate) fate) or chance (by unfold world the in events the how on views contradictory TRAGIC ACTIONS You will not see me willnotcoming see You not found or Be ccasionally finds ccasionally lse.‟ And so I went along AndI so lse.‟

his his - 9). I take it then that this reversal on the Guard‟s part is not is part Guard‟s the on reversal this that then it take I 9).

ethos –

for this must lie with lie c must thisfor

does not harbor some developed static value system. In the the In system. value static developed some harbor not does

constraints, the change of external conditions plays a a plays conditions external of change the constraints, one - here here 5), only to blame chance some lines later for bringing for later lines some chance blame to only 5),

self in a position of decision remains. That much is much That remains. decision of position a in self

again.”

eliberation process on his wayeliberation process onhis to the palace: - 30)

hance

– character

determined to go back on his on back go to determined

lucky enough to draw the the draw to enough lucky ion has no bearing on the bearingthe no on has ion Antigone - 5). But this does not does this But 5).

first to non to is presented is

- due to to due tragic tragic

26 ,

CEU eTD Collection believe a nevertheless is action tragic a of reappraisal deliberative from necessity The truth. the out find Oedipus‟ to compelled is Oedipus as much as action this to h be to is corpse brother‟s polis the of death the polis his of life the holds which system value Creon‟s in constraint internal do he as acts Creon that fact The family. a as the polis of view the hold time same the at and wellbeing son‟s his about worried deeply be can Creon Therefore, Ismene). with case the is (as polis the is that family the of boundaries the Hae Antigone, unlike Thus, words. in only so did he Antigone with side did Haemon although because family, of view civil the hold still can Creon traitors. the punishing bo The value? highest Creon‟s is city the if son his save to order in city the of traitor a pardon he can How internal the that way a constraints, whichupnowplayed until role, relevant. become no such in changed have conditions external the prophecy Teiresias‟ are decision that mean not does Creon, with does it as occur, can action tragic again reexamined, is which the Antigone‟s account former signifies ofburyingasituationin the Polyneices), decision tragic initial the how foraccount.reappraisal Whereas adeliberative synonym th as system value strong a by constrained be can reappraisal deliberative deliberative a of symptom a only is Itreappraisal which by constrained isnot of the situation some fixed stature. poor of was character his because words nais n pnsig h tatr o te oi, u bten aig his saving between but polis, the of traitors the punishing and undaries ) is made is )

Although not a tragic action on its own right, because it fails to satisfy condition A, condition satisfy to fails it because right, own its on action tragic a not Although Necessity. yetAnd it is! hard “How int prophecy Teiresias' actions tragic to briefly return to place good a be might This this does not hurt my case that only special kinds of actions are actions of kinds special only that case my hurt not does this and Polyneices‟ point

character

and an action is taken accordingly taken is action an and e oe ( one new –

is that the conflict is not between saving his son who is outside of the polis polis the of outside is who son his saving between not is conflict the that is I will give way.” (1070 way.”willgive I -

enemy, not unlike the constraint Antigone explicitly makes public (a (a public makes explicitly Antigone constraint the unlike not enemy, un onored even prior to husband‟s or son‟s). or husband‟s to prior even onored eemnd Te bt ae Te ifrne s ht n h lgt of light the in that is difference The are. both They determined. exclamation ihr rl nov truly either

one cannot fight against fightcannot against one roduces what seems to be an inconsistency in Creon's actions. actions. Creon's in inconsistency an be to seems what roduces a md o a o a rgc action tragic a how a or made was - 1) s

quoted above isechoed inCreon‟s: el one or just just or one

. The fact that a deliberative reappraisal of a a of reappraisal deliberative a that fact The . es only suggests that there is an implicit implicit an is there that suggests only es coming to the same decision once once decision same the to coming e latter provides a description of of adescription e provides latter character

either the the either value system.

Insofar, Creon is impelled is Creon Insofar, .

I do not use deliberative use not do I

in order to show how show to order in

character eemnd cin I action. determined was executed (e.g. (e.g. executed was

mon is still within within still is mon initial or the or initial - son dearer than dearer son polis

determined. - o and son action later 27

CEU eTD Collection actions. different yielded situation same the that show needed to tried have critics Many does. 55 54 finally Oedipus occasions both on and tale, his tell to him of asks Chorus the Twice decision. his reverses clearly Oedipus counts three On occasion. one than more on that of exemplary conditions. external in change significant Icases. totragic finally turn Now,and heroes believe I and made, be can resolution does it when once hand, other the On it. should why and characters their with detail in itself concern not does Messengers, as such agents with dealing are we when no just are there that is that for reason The opposite. the prove to trying for non important least every neither are which performed determi actions relevant are there that showing in suffice change inexternal circumstances. as seen be can accomplice an as herself present to decision the even not so sta doing from refrained reason the she Insofar suicide. if commit would Ismene But were, values life. Antigone‟s sense the own in compelling her take she does nor is, Antigone as sentenced neither is She Ismene. of more nothing hear we palace the to escorted are sisters an be both after might Nevertheless, Creon‟s. This or Anigone‟s 556). to similar (538, then, dies constraint internal sister additional her if live cannot she so: doing for reason same the gives twice Ismene life. her forfeits practically and accomplice an was she that (falsely) C of fear from burial a of illustration initially good Although action. undetermined another provides case Ismene‟s actions. their and heroes to change fora radically inorder reappraisal need conditions external Finally, action. tragic a of outcomes the divert not does it Secondly th only not and action, tragic the when only occurs it all, itself. of act First tragic the as special as least) (at is action tragic a of reappraisal deliberative The

See footnote 7 for more details. formore 7 See footnote To make my point it is unnecessary for me to provide an exact reason for why Ismene now behaves as she she as behaves now Ismene why for reason exact an provide to me for unnecessary is it point my make To character Again, what needs to be shown is that a reversal of a decision takes place without any without place takes decision a of reversal a that is shown be to needs what Again, case Ismene‟s and Guard‟s the believe I but detail more into go to space have not do I Cr of way the by digression Afterthis ned nor tragic. Furthermore, I have no illusions that I could prove beyond doubt that that doubt beyond prove could I that illusions no have I Furthermore, tragic. nor ned

eemnd eas te ae au yields value same the because determined

reon‟s edict (79 edict reon‟s

to do that only to agree in the end with G. Steiner that the debate persists. I only only I persists. debate the that Steiner G. with end the in agree to only that do to - tragic action is action tragic

- 80), when Antigone is caught Ismene is quick to claim to quick is Ismene caught is Antigone when 80), resolved character with adifferent outcome eon‟s reappraisal let us return to other non other to return us let reappraisal eon‟s eiu‟ eair in behavior Oedipus‟ character

not to have anything to do with Polyneices‟ with do to anything have to not

undetermined. But the same would hold would same the But undetermined.

undetermined actions theyundetermined actions perform.

or or w dfeet eiin wtot any without decisions different two the I have done that on paradigmatic on that done have I Corinthian shepherd. The text text The shepherd. Corinthian e tragic decision, is made. is decision, tragic e Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus to take placeatto take all. ted above was truly truly was above ted

available clues clues available character character - tragic tragic 54

28 is

CEU eTD Collection non as also are which out actions perform can heroes tragic that demonstrated come detail, in with dealt non delimited have I widely. yieldsrefusing (1174).Oedipus Nevertheless, tospeak (1205). withhim the was this and Polyneices) the to be reveal will shortly which will of he proof curse/oracle (the ever as son his of scornful as is Oedipus way; significant for pleas Theseus‟ and Antigone‟s with similar ta to Oedipus is It Iocasta). to or shepherd Theban to yield to Oedipus for was it impossible how (Remember in. gives eventually Oedipus and him after wish their them grants - tragic. Now I thefinal bytragic. argument myontheview Nowturnto take implied for I believe these examples together suffice in showing that I have not cast my net too too net my cast not have I that showing in suffice together examples these believe I lk with Polyneices (1175 Polyneices with lk

initial refusal (208 refusal initial - tragic actions from tragic ones and shown that the latter, when latter, the that shown and ones tragic from actions tragic - 1203). Their words do not change the situation in any in situation the change not do words Their 1203). character - 18, 510 18,

undetermined. Furthermore, I have also also have I Furthermore, undetermined. - 20). The Chorus merely pleads with pleads merely Chorus The 20). character initial

reason

determined and and determined Theban plays. giv en for for 29

CEU eTD Collection below. will show 59 have actions. undetermined and determined I that fact very the by two the conflated not have I believe I 363). (pp. production“. actual its with action of enablement and/or motivation the conflating are al. et “Doods maintains: 58 (p.29) things do people making simply by 57 56 is action relevant The here. relevantactionnot the is that but reappraisal tragicfortriggermotivational a is it that true Itis action an of in prophecy Teiresias motivation to event an of necessity external necessity external beyond of that necessity no be could there Then, character. the to up is action final the and role motivational motivated. doubly merely rather over imply necessarily not does causation determination. Polyneices‟ then necessitated internally and externally necessity external of role, crucial in Even fallacy. a commit to surely is necessity for necessity is actions. there human in role a that plays which character of that suggests beyond terms those in over out cashed be why can actions tragic is of number That (in)coherence. conceptual term‟s determinatio the of regardless determination

Vernant (1988) made a move in which internal necessity was added next to the external one. external the to next added was necessity internal which in move made a (1988) Vernant And this is not to be unable to do the opposite i.e. to translate internal motivation into external necessity as I I as necessity external into motivation internal translate to i.e. opposite the do to unable be to not is this And A similar A It should be noted that Sandis argues for argues Sandis that noted be should It character

The problem with this solution is that it does not consider an important articulation of of articulation important an consider not does it that is solution this with problem The 1) either: that claiming by predicament this of out ways two identifies Sandis over of terms in cast be can actions tragic all not that earlier noted been has It A ROLEFORNECESSITY EXTERNAL A CASEFOR

view is espoused by Williams (1993): “*W+hen the gods do intervene, they do not standardly do so so do standardly not do they intervene, do gods the “*W+hen (1993): Williams by espoused is view tragic n could not have been the criterion of tragic action. Nevertheless, the fact that a that fact the Nevertheless, action. tragic of criterion the been have not could n prophecies

determinism in accounting for tragic actions without explaining (away) external external (away) explaining without actions tragic for accounting in determinism

character

action action –

rpey Tee r isacs n hc w cno sml translate simply cannot we which in instances are There prophecy. Antigone CHARACTER n oncin ih nenl necessity internal with connection in Then, present. are compulsion which –

we need to resolve incoherence stemming from the notion of over of notion the from stemming incoherence resolve to need we Creon‟s proclamation. But, from this point of view the prophecy prophecy the view of point this from But, proclamation. Creon‟s —

. It is an unconditional prophecy about the impending disaster. disaster. impending the about prophecy unconditional an is It . winding them up, so to speak, and pointing them in a certain direction“. direction“. certain a in them pointing and speak, to so up, them winding

facticity rather than than rather facticity n h lte cs etra fcos eey ly a play merely factors external case latter the In

DETERMINISM - it is clear is it determination, or 2) actions are not doubly cau doubly not are actions 2) or determination, – always always

as it is it as Antigone,

values one setof moti that we need to figure out what the status the what out figure to need we that prima facie facie prima psychological or character or psychological

in which prophecies do not play a a play not do prophecies which in 56 edn t ta event. that to leading is.

To insist on an ex an on insist To not unreasonable to think of of think to unreasonable not distinguished between between distinguished f gvn cin s both is action given a If ves over theves other.

determinism. He He determinism.

clusive roleclusive character 59 double double

Take sed, sed, 58 30

- - -

CEU eTD Collection action. determinism debate another with concerned 64 63 suffer decreed only he force external 62 it. do to one only for difficult too 61 60 extent). an (to idea Kitto‟s with compatible made be can objection control one‟s of out strong toperform character action. isbound atragic behavior the to according happened It chance. by happened this of none that saying for shorthand merely not transcendent ofhuman actions. principle conceived Thus passions. and actions human of world the as well as world physical the in so do and of retribution through equilibrium meaning disturbed of original reestablishment the exercise They and neutral. morally immortal are are and sphere they natural that except all, at „supernatural‟ omnipresent.” not are they events; of order clai this to contribution original Kitto‟s destiny, of hands the in puppets as heroes tragic of think of an act. not is agent single a self of act The that action. an performing true for sufficient not simply is it that is solution latter the with problem The wou agent one that hold and causation double Kitto. H.D.F. does as sphere natural singular a of description dramatic a merely is gods of sphere that claim to and causes distinct ontologically are there external necessityon. lingers of feeling the Insofar, action. tragic initial the for force motivational of kind any play to fails

Kitto (1958),Kitto pp.40 (1958).Kitto Kitto is clear in saying that Sophocles was not aware of the free will/determinism dichotomy and that he was was he that and dichotomy will/determinism free the of aware not was Sophocles that saying in clear is Kitto This view is presented shortly in in shortly presented is view This Vernant (1988) is wrong to conclude that this action is doubly caused. Even if we consider Apollo as an an as Apollo consider we if Even caused. doubly is action this that conclude to wrong is (1988) Vernant m was eliminating over eliminating was m law of retribution. of law

W Kitto for is Creon befall will that misfortune the of prophecy the perspective this From Winnington or Dodds, Nilsson, like authors the of none Although possibil two are there concerned is case former the as far As 62 – hat Sandis obje Sandis hat

is character No dei

still 63

in perfect accord with his stance on the debate insofar it pertains to the domain of human human of domain the to pertains it insofar debate the on stance his with accord perfect in noa, hy r eaty ie h lw o ntr wih prt wit operate which nature of laws the like exactly are they Insofar, - 42. ty Oedipus ishelping act. inhis

determinism determinism – 64

something crucial to Greek tragedy. Greek to crucial something

And I add that the initial imbalance was produce by another law another by produce was imbalance initial the that add I And cts the most to this notion, is that it eliminates alien forces that are are that forces alien eliminates it that is notion, this to most the cts

- determination. He saw the Greek gods Greek the saw He determination.

A. Poole (2005). Sandis compares it to two people moving a car. It would be be would It car. a moving people two to it compares Sandis (2005). Poole A.

– ing for Oedipus, not suffering by way of self of way by suffering not Oedipus, for ing

hne ess all versus chance –

that when confronted with a particular action a person of of person a action particular a with confronted when that

ld not suffice for the execution of an action. an of execution the for suffice not ld - oenn l governing This is whyThis is I account. turnto Kitto‟s - mutilation (1276 mutilation

w f hns M nto of notion My things. of aw

Although a valid point, Sandis‟ point, valid a Although 60

h ohr s to is other The - , mutilation. -

ities. One is to deny that that deny to is One ities. – 9) is obviously that kind that obviously is 9) If dike dike

theoi Kitto is read together read is Kitto - is an is Ingram would ever would Ingram

–

as “the natural natural “the as immanent

dike tc with stick character i the hin

– -

like and and the the 31 61

CEU eTD Collection opposite. 66 (1998). Lear and 1994) (1986, Nussbaum in attention much have received which 65 compulsion. to up being as considered never are actions these term CDO in discussed necessity. internal and external for accounted is prophecy the of i Oedipus Laiusand to revealedOne necessity should howcatastrophichim end have. thatwill an tells merely Oedipus and Thebes against campaign his in unmoved necessarily is Polyneices reve Teiresias Rex Oedipus In die. will son his action: his of outcomes the out spells Teiresias now and Antigone entomb necessi internal to due performed actions of outcomes the of articulations are they as necessityexternal of articulations much so reappraisal of chance a without c already deed a to reactions as out come prophecies the decided been already had act tragic the after in Polyneices to revealed o Teiresias‟ also necessaryof thelaw (in virtue of retribution). of virtue (in necessary was action tragic the which in manner same the In character. his of virtue in performed necessarily action tragic initial motivation character pro Teiresias‟ problematic the for account to us enables field ontological outside. from not and within from come they now only about claim my with

Sandis had to translate external necessity into internal motivation but following Kitto we only need to do the the do to need only we Kitto following but motivation internal into necessity external translate to had Sandis utemr, it' acut os o eiiae hs etra fre sc a fml rltos or relations family as such forces external those eliminate not does account Kitto's Furthermore, lhuh h pohce dsusd bv ft perfec fit above discussed prophecies the Although that noted be also should It feel uneasy with uneasy feel

i.e. racle

T character determinism. determinism. character Oedipus is already necessarily determined to solve the riddle of pollution and pollution of riddle the solve to determined necessarily already is Oedipus l t hm h dedu otoe o hs cin In action. his of outcomes dreadful the him to als his

rpeie to prophesized i turn, in , .

66 character

s The prophecy is now merely an articulation of the outcome of Creon‟sof outcome the of articulation anmerely now is prophecy The

byanybody a project that project a Oedipus at Colonus at Oedipus

los s o riuae h dsicin ewe a rgc and tragic a between distinction the articulate to us allows

determinism then determinism which would avoid tragedy avoid would which eiu in Oedipus hv aray noted already have I y In ty.

the proves to be very informative informative very be to proves . sort. exactlythat s of

There are prophecies which just do not fit this scheme. this fit not do just which prophecies are There This strongly implies This

prophecy above shares a crucial a shares above prophecy tries to articulate articulate to tries Antigone Antigone

and serve as a reprimand against it against reprimand a as serve and eiu Rex Oedipus . All of these prophecies are announced are prophecies these of All . the alien the

Oedipus ro hd led ncsaiy eie to decided necessarily already had Creon character 65 every And the waythe And ht eiu‟ arnet s never is parrincest Oedipus‟ that

a wl as well as ,

forces are still beyond our control control our beyond still are forces that, to put it in Aristotelian terms,Aristotelianin put it to that, ommitted (or at least decided on on decided least at (or ommitted Moreover, Kitto‟s leveling of the of leveling Kitto‟s Moreover, ) suggests that the oracles are not not are oracles the that suggests ) but rather as product as rather but l wl wt Ktos scheme Kitto‟s with well tly

determinism) Heamon‟s death is is death Heamon‟s determinism) prophecy in terms of internal of terms in prophecy

o te relation the for in which in to common feature common eiu a Colonus at Oedipus Oedi hc i trs of terms in phecy u‟ prophecy pus‟ . The fact that that fact The .

the execution the s

of external of between

money money with with only only we we 32 a

CEU eTD Collection with themselves and why thatis we say action this which in way sort the not least (at claiming is he whatcomprehend to us expect and he that saidhave not could understanding problem no have we something is character his And is he that way dollars. zero for someone torture would people are there it. do to unable variations. of number considerable dollars. thousand addresse not for theother of mechanism a exactly how level narrative or structural a on actions tragic triangles). angle right for only holds theorem (Pythagoras‟s problematic dissuasions. extreme of face the in unyielding characters strong heroes tragic and actions tragic only concerns it insofar particular is It actions. all and again remind turn now toonelast remaining issue. be can can cannot it be bedeemed horrendous, deemed tragic. horrendous For this I again turn to Dennett‟s to turn again I this For Here FINAL DETERMINISM CHARACTER FOR ARGUMENT believe I What is important to have in mind with mind in have important to is What either unde either that he is allergic to fructoseallergic to is he that s. And the And action in action , another question of conceptual coherence needs to be addressed be to needs coherence conceptual of question another , – that

strongly hr ae as hc hl fr eti kn o ette ad o fr others for not and entities of kind certain for hold which laws are there Although Although

then who would torture someone for thousand dollars and there are people who who people are there and dollars thousand for someone torture would who cin sc as such actions

character So it is in fact a special kind of action he is unable to perform under under perform to unable is he action of kind special a fact in is it So termined or termined „ special , another

it has been made clear that clear made been has it , and he wouldagree,and ,

biased towards (or against (or towards biased is constrained by his character, appetites, or some special conditions special some or appetites, character, his by constrained is his character might not be that be not might character his ‟ c

ould determinism as I have been using been have I as determinism I am driving at here is his is here at driving Iam character way. way. determined determined

not hoig ewe etn a apple an eating between choosing If the action was not up to the character then, although it it although then, character the to up not was action the If

and that he would he that and utemr, t s n ite f i chara his of virtue in is it Furthermore, do otherwise but refuse to refuse but otherwise do

determination is operational for one set of actions, and actions, of set one for operational is determination The point her point The example and the latter latter the and that he could either decide that he way. Theban plays is that they do not reall not theydo Thebanplaysthat is

of the drama, and quite another to articulate to another quite and drama, the of . Sophocles depicts a world in which in world a depicts Sophocles ) It is indeed a special kind of case Dennett Dennett case of kind special a indeed is It

and is so in the virtue of his character his of virtue the in so is and

general inability to torture someonetorture to general inability

e is that is e surely die if he took a bite) a took he if surelydie

special it is certainly not universal universal not certainly is it special either externally either But, i But, without giving qualifications qualifications giving without it eat an apple apple an eat the action relates action the t is t Such an ide an Such does not apply not does

still still insofar it is normal is it insofar and

one thing to identify to thing one drinking milk. milk. drinking or or

when offered one offered when

a in itself is not is itself in a internally cter that he is is he that cter .

First, let me let First, to all agents agents all to . to We se We y concern him him – actions actions

those so. . e noe The The a in for for He 33 of of – I .

CEU eTD Collection anyaction explaining without why. that claim to not, or that argue to differently; tale, his telling hand, other the On riddles. solves who one the is he because do cannot he That investigation. his stopping from different completely exo to in character internal constr is he why is that and have not other the or way one in act to bound constraint why. reasons strong the or action one towards biased strongly be would he that say not could worries. non - rgc action tragic nerate himself nerate ohn srosy hne i w take we if changes seriously Nothing But imagine if Dennett found himself in himself found Dennett if imagine But ; they should spell out spell should they Oedipus at Colonus Colonus at Oedipus we can easily understand Dennett in Dennett understand easily can we aints s

e ae dniid r nt rva a all at trivial not are identified have we there is no reasonis no wouldbeaction there why an

hs raos would reasons These –

that would urge him to tell or to refuse to tell his tale. his tell to refuse to or tell to him urge would that some character agent – some feature some

a special drive to hide his shame or a pre a or shame his hide to drive special a

actions cannot be cannot actions . It is exactly that kind of constraint that the Guard does Guard the that constraint of kind that exactly is It

undetermined ae to have

of Dennett‟s character Dennett‟s of the

the place of place the rgc hero. tragic say ol down boil in his action. his in character ing

that he is strongly biased towards towards biased strongly is he that ;

they character

hr i ntig n Oedipus‟ in nothing is There o oe crystal some to t

he undetermined if others are others if undetermined

usually s ope is Guard In the absence the In

in virtue of which he is he which of virtue in

determined. n to him. him. to n other

nal considerable entail from - articulated desire desire articulated

without This action is action This clear internal internal clear Antigone of of

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