AUK Professor Explores Ancient Greek Motivation in New Book

Dr. Andrei Zavaliy, professor of philosophy at AUK, has published an in-depth monograph titled, “Motivation in the Ancient Greek Ethos: Punishment, Shame, and Moral Guilt.” The book examines how Ancient Greek culture used different methods to guide behavior, from fears of punishment and disgrace to deeper feelings like self-shame and moral guilt. 

The book explores how motivation evolved during the Archaic and Classical periods of Greek history. Dr. Zavaliy highlights a shift in later Greek thought, particularly in Aristotle’s philosophy, where the idea of internal moral discomfort—similar to modern concepts of guilt—became a key factor in guiding actions. 

Dr. Zavaliy credits two key experiences for helping him complete this research. A Dartmouth Fellowship in 2023 gave him access to extensive library resources and opportunities to discuss his work with scholars in philosophy and classics. He also presented parts of his research at international conferences funded by AUK’s Professional Development program, which helped him refine the final version of the book. 

Published by Rowman & Littlefield, this comprehensive monograph showcases the high caliber of research being conducted by AUK faculty. Dr. Zavaliy’s work is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering scholarly excellence and providing its professors with the resources and opportunities they need to make meaningful contributions to their fields.
  
  
  

Book cover