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Reckless Rationalism and Heroic Reverence in Homer's Odyssey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 1987

Darrell Dobbs
Darrell Dobbs*
Affiliation:
University of Houston
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Abstract

A decision-theoretic analysis of the central incident of Homer's Odyssey reveals the insufficiency of rational calculation as a guide for political prudence. Surprisingly, the poet distinguishes between two rational and formally identical calculations in no uncertain terms; he condemns one as utter recklessness and praises the other as consummate wisdom. I maintain that this discrepancy is neither an artifact of sloppy editorial patchwork nor the result of a “homeric nod” but instead points toward a politically significant distinction as yet obscured by a merely rationalistic perspective. The recklessness of Odysseus' crewmen, who deliberately slaughter sacred cattle to forestall starvation, consists in their rationalistic transgression of the limits of reason. These limits are most evident in the defiance of commensurability that characterizes the sacred. The wisdom of Odysseus, by contrast, is manifest in his learning to temper reason with respect for the sacred. By virtue of reverence, Odysseus wins his struggle to preserve his psychê, home and regime.

Type
Articles
Information
American Political Science Review , Volume 81 , Issue 2 , June 1987 , pp. 491 - 508
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 1987

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