Ambivalence of Greek Hope

Abstract

The article is an attempt to recreate the Greek thinking about the phenomenon of hope. Multilevel ambivalence has been found. Firstly, as expecting either something good or something bad. Then, as a negative hope (in the sense of unreasonable, irrational and leading to crisis) or a positive hope (in the sense of justified, rational and enabling salvation). Finally, as a morally good or bad hope, depending upon the ethical evaluation of its subject. Also, a correlation of fear and hope has been found. The problem of referring hope to time has been put forward. In this context, the views of Hesiod, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics have been considered.