Begriffsspaltung III

The present chapter discusses another important abstract concept, viz. dike. This time we are not confronted with an abstraction that can have both a positive and a negative aspect, expressed through adjectival attributes. In the case of dike, there is no ontological split as in Eris, either. Instead, in presenting dike Hesiod uses the same means of expression as earlier (adjectival attribution) in order to portray the opposition between genuine and false justice. But Hesiod goes further and illustrates the variety of (sometimes contradictory) meanings which dike can have. It turns out to be so multivalent and (sometimes) deceitfully used that it requires a special kind of definition. Coming to grips with the confusion that the (mis-)application of dike can cause is essential for Hesiod’s project since this concept is of paramount importance for the world of mortals as established by Zeus.