Axiological motives in Homer (2)

Axiology as a sphere of value orientation and preferences is the base of every society. The analysis of Homer's poems gives an opportunity to explicate the value base of archaic Mediterranean culture. In the first part of the article (ΣΧΟΛΗ 4.2 (2010) 260-290) I have examined various patterns of behavior. Values such as honor, glory, devotion, self-sacrifice, friendship, mutual help, hospitality, justice-equality and justice-retribution are on the positive pole of this culture. Anger, insult, deception, greed, cowardice, audacity, and desecration of the enemy's body are on the negative pole. Positive values are fixed in the sanctioned "standards" of social behavior. In the second part I turn to the foundation of decision-making and examine how the particular actions of epic heroes are determined by the fate, the will of the gods, the traditional moral standards, or various practical considerations.