article

Honour and shame: some problems in the comparative analysis of moral systems

Man (N.S.) • 15 • Published In 1980 • Pages: 339-351

By: Herzfeld, Michael.

Abstract

In this article, Herzfeld argues that the literature on Mediterranean value-systems with its focus on the concepts of honor and shame glosses over a wide variety of terms and understandings found in the region. He discusses the meanings of the Greek moral terms of EGOISMOS (self-regard) and FILOTIMO (honor). According to Herzfeld, EGOISMOS does not express a rugged individualism that supposedly lies behind the Greek national character--and Western character, for that matter. Rather, EGOISMOS is a means of gaining respect through performances that express and foreground socially sanctioned ideals. This article is a key to understanding Herzfeld's other work on Greek culture and his theory of social poetics, in general.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

Europe

Sub Region

Southeastern Europe

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2002

Field Date

1973-1978

Coverage Date

1973-1978

Coverage Place

'Glendi', Crete and 'Pefko', Rhodes, Greece

Notes

Michael Herzfeld

Includes bibliographical references (p. 350-351)

LCCN

sf 80000548

LCSH

Greece