Hope and Practical Intelligence in Thucydides
Abstract
Hope (ἐλπίς) surfaces more than one hundred times in Thucydides’ History, extensively thematized and deeply explored in almost all reported speeches delivered by politicians and generals. The objective of this article is to elucidate Thucydides’ notion of hope, advocating for its internal consistency. Moreover, in contrast to interpretations that construe hope as an emotion, a passion, or a complex mental state, it posits that Thucydides conceives of hope as a practical intellectual state.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Philosophy and Thought
Classical Antiquity Studies
Classical Studies and Philology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ancient Philosophy
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 21–39
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026