| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis aims at analysing Aeschylus’ ‘Oresteia’ from a political perspective. The first part of this study critically assesses the main political interpretations of the ‘Oresteia’, focusing on the problem of the relationship between social order and justice, identifying their core ideas and pointing out their unresolved challenges. The second part of the study proposes a new interpretation of the ‘Oresteia’, focusing on the problem of the relationship between personal agency and rationality in politics. The study seeks to justify the position that Aeschylus' ‘Oresteia’ can be interpreted as a tragedy dramatizing the dilemma of rationality and limitation in politics, which manifests itself through two problems – (a) how does a society escape the impasses caused by rational politics, and (b) how do we rationally solve problems in a world where revenge exists? The tragedy shows that, although institutional rational politics has its limitations, it is a better alternative than vengeful politics, which always destroys the social order. Meanwhile, political problems in a vindictive environment can be counteracted by presenting one's equal power and ultimately stabilising the situation by providing incentives that create mutual benefits. |
