Some Problems with Hubris in Ancient Greek Law

This paper will examine some characteristic problems and issues in the study of Athenian law, and of ancient Greek law more generally, through an analysis of the offense of hubris (“intentionally dishonoring behavior”). Topics to be discussed include (1) the Athenian law of hubris; (2) parallels with the laws and practices of other Greek communities and their ramifications for the question of the unity of Greek law; and (3) hubris and the categorization of shame.
David Phillips is Associate Professor of History at UCLA.

This event is sponsored by the Ancient Mediterranean Studies program and the Ancient Borderlands Research Focus Group.

jwil 05.I.2011