Oaths

Abstract This chapter considers the critical role of oaths in Greek civic and international life and argues that the dominant interpretation of the effectiveness of oaths as reliant on divine deterrence is seriously incomplete. It argues that, to understand the power of oaths for Greeks, we must look beyond their purely religious dimensions to their social contexts and ethical features. Some of their effectiveness likely resulted from a wish to maintain a reputation for honesty and reliability. Some people feel an ethical responsibility to abide by promises, of which an oath is a special form. And in some circumstances oaths strengthened group identities encouraging oath takers to fulfill their obligations to members of the group. By considering oaths in their variety of contexts and functions across Greek society, this chapter reveals further connections between Greek international and domestic law and uncovers a further dimension of international law as a social reality.