Marina Berzins McCoy

Vulnerability is not often associated with virtue. Yet to be vulnerable is central to human experience. In this book, McCoy examines ways in which Greek epic, tragedy, and philosophy have important insights to offer about the nature of human vulnerability and how human beings might better come to terms with their own vulnerability. While studies of Greek heroism and virtue often focus on strength of character, prowess in war, or the achievement of honor for oneself or one‚Äôs society, McCoy examines another side to Greek thought that extols the recognition and proper acceptance of vulnerability. McCoy begins with the literary works of Homer‚Äôs Iliad, Sophocles‚Äô Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Philoctetes before expanding her analysis to philosophical works. There, she analyzes imagery of wounding in Plato‚Äôs Gorgias and Symposium as well as Aristotle‚Äôs work on the vulnerability inherent in friendship and an innovative interpretation of tragic catharsis in the Poetics. As much a work of philosophy as of classical textual analysis, McCoy‚Äôs work aims at a deeper understanding of the virtues of vulnerability for individuals and societies alike.

Wounded Heroes

Marina Berzins McCoy

Information

About This Book