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The notion of “hamartia ” in Aristotelian ethical and poetical theory

• Λεοντσίνη, Ελένη Γ.

The notion of “hamartia”, in the frame of the ethical and political theory of Aristotle, has been an object of multiple and controversial interpretations, ranging from “moral fault” to “error of judgment”. The author analyzes various instances of use of that term, both in the ethical treatises and in the Poetics of Aristotle, and concludes that, despite the discrepancies concerning its interpretation, the “hamartia” of the tragic hero is a crucial factor for the functioning of tragedy, since it provides the background for the sentiments of fear and pity that are born in the hearts of the spectators, the very scope of tragedy being the liberation from these stressful feelings.

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

• Φιλοσοφία, Αρχαία
• Θεωρία (Φιλοσοφία)