Judge Hercules or Theseus? Ancient Hero and Democratic Leadership
Judge Hercules or Theseus? Ancient Hero and Democratic Leadership

Summary/Abstract: When Ronald Dworkin used the metaphor of Hercules as a judge, he referred to the centuries-old herit- age of European thought and its sources in Greek culture. The reference to the figure of a well-known, archetypal hero brought Dworkin’s concept of a judge-interpreter closer to modern readers. It also proved that ancient models, affecting the imagination, still play an important educational role. In this text, however, Dworkin’s choice of hero is questioned. Dworkin seems to see Heracles through post- Platonic and Stoic lenses, quite differently than the hero was presented in myths. This paper aims to present the broader educational value of heroes and myths. Following Dworkin’s example, an alterna- tive is proposed: Theseus of Athens, most widely known for his victory over the Minotaur. However, the article draws attention to the lesser-known part of his biography, which is his qualities as a leader and king of Athens. The analysis of the character of Theseus based on available literary sources will make it possible to observe the desired characteristics of a leader and his relationship with the society within a state considered democratic. It aims to demonstrate that power, authority, and democracy are not set in an antagonistic triangle but rather complement each other. At the same time, it also points to the constant relevance of the myth, which, thanks to its continuous impact on the imagination, can serve as an important educational tool also in modern times – just as it was used by Dworkin.

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