Odyssey Chapter XX

[Dr. T.]

Colleagues,

As historical background for a paper on motivation, I would like to know your viewpoint on the following:

In Book XX of the Odyssey, Homer described Odysseus’ thoughts about alternative behaviors (i.e., responses) in the face of an event (i.e., stimulus).

"Then the heart of Odysseus was stirred, and much he communed with his mind and soul, whether he should leap forth upon them and deal death to each, or [to] suffer them to lie with the proud wooers, now for the last and latest time."

Notwithstanding Homer’s purpose, might one interpret Homer’s description of Odysseus’ thoughts as a reference to the notion of stimulus-response?

Thank you.

Dr. T.

[aquarium444]

Considering that he was talking to the Goddess, one might interpret it as insanity. It looks like he devised a plan to get revenge in the end.

Why were they insane, especially when they had philosophers around. This stimulus/response nonsense can wait until the important questions are answered.

Or this could always be one of those...my instructor is making a fool out of me....assignments.

Get ready for the final exam question: "Using all of the knowledge that you have gained in philosophy, which of these characters was the biggest fart taker in Greek history?"

I would change instructors.

[Dr. T.]

Dear Aquarium444:

You obviously have no respect for intellectual curiosity. The purpose of my query was not to fulfill a homework assignment, but to explore feasible historical references to the notion of stimulus/response, which is the framework for many modern motivation theories.

Dr. T.

[aquarium444]

I hope that it answered your question.

With regard to intellectual curiosity, I have been wondering how come philosophy sounds a lot like mere sophistry.

[aquarium444]

Hahaha, so yes, as far as I understand the theory, there you have it.

[JonathanLockely]

I'm assuming your talking about conditioned and unconditioned responses? as in drooling to the sound of a bell as it's equated to food etc.

And If so I would agree that you could interpret it as such. A lot of modern "theory" in a variety of subjects seems like common sense to me.



Although in the paragraph you quoted it seems more intelligent choice than a learned or conditioned response.