Thucydides and Nature and Convention

There are many ancient political philosophers who have contributed to a large discussion on the issue of nature and convention. The relationship between the two can be seen in the writings of Plato and Aristotle among other ancient political philosophers. However, it should be duly noted how the first “historian” understood nature and convention in relation to each other. Thucydides provides a fascinating aspect of this relationship by having a very negative view of human nature and does so while trying to remain impartial and scientific (Ehrenberg 1968, 355). Throughout Thucydides’ works, it becomes evident of his belief that convention is needed to control nature because of the immense flaws of human nature.

To understand Thucydides, it is essential to first understand how he was attempting to write. He was writing the History of the Peloponnesian War in an effort to be objective, which could be compared to attempts by modern science. However, Thucydides’ accounts provide insight into his personal opinions that he held and viewed during this bloody war. His opinion of human nature becomes clear in the origins of the war, the Melian Dialogue, the plague, the Mytilenean Debate, the civil war at Corcyra, and the murder at Mycalessus. As one realizes Thucydides’ low view of man, it becomes obvious how this interacts with the question of the necessity of convention when interacting with nature. His views help to develop a variety of political realism that includes an understanding and appreciation for morality.

Thucydides’ Objectivity

One of the important aspects of Thucydides’ writings that needs to be understood to truly discover his position on this issue of nature and convention would be his unique writing style. He wrote diff...

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