Heb je nog iets op je lever? | Amsterdam University Press Journals Online
2004
Volume 128, Issue 2
  • ISSN: 0040-7518
  • E-ISSN: 2352-1163

Abstract

Abstract

This article outlines a number of issues specific to uncertainty management in the ancient Greek world (c. 800 BC – c. 150 BC) and the modern Western world – and juxtaposes the two where suitable, illuminating a number of aspects peculiar to Greek divination. The ancient Greek turned towards his gods for qualitative data: perceived signs from the supernatural. These signs were sought on both private and public matters; they were then interpreted in order to obtain information. The individual had to take these interpretations seriously. The ancient Greeks lived in an uncertainty society – or perhaps even in a divination society. Divination was a culturally specific way to reduce uncertainty and allowed individuals to analyze and, where possible, manage or direct their own future.

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2015-04-01
2024-03-28
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): antiquity; Divination; Greece; risk; uncertainty
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