UNDERSTANDING OF JUSTICE IN THE ΙΛΙΑΔΟΣ AND ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙΑΣ

Abstract

In this paper the author discusses fi rst implications of the relation between the idea of justice and the idea of equivalence, which can be found in Homer’s works. Members of tribal aristocracy wanted to establish adequate ratio between merits they supposed they had for the community and the rights adequate to these merits. They were sometimes establishing such a proportion in a rough and hostile manner, by dictating and forcing rules of behaviors, which as a result enabled later commentators to conclude that the principle “might is right” was central to the Greek concept of δίκη, and that Homer confi rms his approval of this principle in both of his epics. Dike in Homer shows its other key characteristic, correlativity, because it constantly refers to two sides (ἀμφότερος) in confl ict, with frequent assistance of agora. In Odyssey we can identify an additional dimension of justice, which is an implication of its application to inter polis relations. In addition, we should add the place that belongs to Zeus, through which Hellenes should understand that the justice is necessary for the resolution of their confl icts. As the highest representative of justice in general, Zeus punishes those whose acts are not in compliance with justice, and which tells the Acheans that they should establish a community founded on justice, and that community is polis.