Begriffsspaltung II

Abstract

This chapter explores two further ‘split’ abstract concepts presented in the Works and Days, Aidos (‘Shame/Awe’) and Nemesis (‘Righteous Indignation’). It is shown that not only are there contradictory meanings inherent in these terms, but these contradictions become apparent only once we consider the context. For Hesiod, the good and the bad Aidos are not clearly opposed and distinct from one another, but can have positive or negative effects depending on the existing conditions. Reality and its linguistic expression are not static, but fluid and dynamic, and must be subjected to interpretation.