The Kaleidoscope of Thucydides: An Analysis of Thucydides as the First Social Scientist through His History of the Peloponnesian War
Keywords:
Thucydides, international relations, Peloponnesian War, political analysis, historical interpretationAbstract
In this paper, I reevaluate the portrayal of Thucydides as the first social scientist in the context of international relations, through his work on the monumental History of the Peloponnesian War. I challenge the traditional interpretation of Thucydides' primary goal, questioning the one-sided analysis that limits him to identifying war causes between Athens and Sparta. I also delve into Thucydides' broader objectives, emphasizing the dangers of simplistic labeling and the need for a diverse understanding of his work. Finally, I argue for a critical, open-minded approach to his history, highlighting the potential for multiple interpretations and the importance of considering the context of international relations during Thucydides' time. This approach helps in understanding the History of the Peloponnesian War as more than just a scientific analysis of war, but as a rich text offering various insights into human nature, politics, and society.
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