what is the greek concept of arête course hero

What is the meaning of Arete?

Arete ( Greek: ἀρετή, aretḗ) is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to 'excellence' of any kind [1] —especially a person or thing's "full realization of potential or inherent function." [2] The term may also refer to excellence in " moral virtue ." [1]

What is the story of Arete in Greek mythology?

The only story involving Arete was originally told in the 5th century BC by the sophist Prodicus, known as "Hercules at the crossroads" and concerns the early life of the hero Heracles.

What is concepts of the hero in Greek civilization?

Concepts of the Hero in Greek Civilization provides an engaging introduction to the major themes of ancient Greek myth, cult, and poetics.” Gregory Nagy is Professor of Classical Greek Literature at Harvard University. Concepts of the Hero in Greek Civilization has been added to our collection, 1,700 Free Online Courses from Top Universities.

Who is Arete in the Philosopher Kings?

Arete is the name of a key protagonist in The Philosopher Kings, the second book of Jo Walton 's Thessaly trilogy in which a group of people gathered by the time-traveling goddess Athena work to achieve the ideal society as described in Plato's Republic. She is a precocious teenager who also appears in the sequel.

What is the meaning of Arete in Greek philosophy?

Mike Greenberg, PhD. Published on September 23, 2020. The idea of arete in Greek philosophy is one that is difficult to translate for modern audiences. In simple terms, it could be translated as excellence or superior virtue. In practice, though, it was a complex set of ideals that confounded even the greatest philosophers.

What is the concept of Arete?

The concept was a complex one that combined status, reputation, and personal achievement. Even the great philosophers of Greece conceded that there was no single way to define or achieve arete.

What does Arete represent?

Arete represents a very Greek view of the world. Perfection was something to be valued and reached for, but most people never had a chance of obtaining it.

Why was Arete a deity?

Because social position was ordained by fate and the will of the gods, members of the nobility were more naturally inclined toward achievement and fulfillment. Like many abstract ideas in Greek culture, arete was also personified as an individual deity.

Why were the heroes of Arete and Penelope considered women of Arete?

The heroes were men of arete for their courage, strength, and devotion to the gods, while Penelope was a woman of arete for her unwavering devotion to Odysseus.

How was Arete achieved?

In all these cases, arete was achieved by fulfilling a purpose and ideal not just once, but over the course of a lifetime.

Why did horses and dogs achieve Arete?

Horses and dogs could achieve arete easily because their purpose in life was simple and straightforward. Mankind, however, had to truly work to balance their minds, bodies, and faith. While Elysium or arete may have been virtually impossible, however, the educated people of Greece continued to hold them in high regard.

What was the thought that athletics had to be present in order to obtain Arete?

It was commonly believed that the mind, body, and soul each had to be developed and prepared for a man to live a life of arete. This led to the thought that athletics had to be present in order to obtain arete. They did not need to consume one's life, merely exercise the body into the right condition for arete, just like the mind and soul would be exercised by other means.

Who is Arete in The Philosopher Kings?

Arete is the name of a key protagonist in The Philosopher Kings, the second book of Jo Walton 's Thessaly trilogy in which a group of people gathered by the time-traveling goddess Athena work to achieve the ideal society as described in Plato's Republic. She is a precocious teenager who also appears in the sequel.

What is the meaning of Arete?

Arete is a significant part of the paideia of ancient Greeks: the training of the boy to manhood. This training in arete included physical training, for which the Greeks developed the gymnasion; mental training, which included oratory, rhetoric, and basic sciences; and spiritual training, which included music and what is called virtue .

What does Arete mean in Homer's Iliad?

In Homer 's Iliad and Odyssey, " arete " is used mainly to describe heroes and nobles and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage, but it is not limited to this. Penelope 's arete, for example, relates to co-operation, for which she is praised by Agamemnon.

What is the highest human knowledge?

If Arete is knowledge and study, the highest human knowledge is knowledge about knowledge itself; in this light, the theoretical study of human knowledge, which Aristotle called "contemplation", is the highest human ability and happiness.

What is the meaning of Arete in Homer's poem?

In the Homeric poems, Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of Arete is of the highest effectiveness ; they use all their faculties—strength, bravery, ...

Who is Arete in the Odyssey?

Arete was occasionally personified as a goddess, the sister of Homonoia (not to be confused with Harmonia ), and the daughter of the goddess of justice, Praxidike. She is not to be confused with the mythological Queen Arete mentioned in the Argonautica and the Odyssey, whose name in Greek is spelled Ἀρήτη (with a different vowel in the second syllable).