The oath was an institution of fundamental importance across a wide range of social interactions throughout the ancient Greek world, making a crucial contribution to social stability and harmony; yet there has been no comprehensive, dedicated scholarly study of the subject for over a century. This volume of a two-volume study explores the nature of oaths as Greeks perceived it, the ways in which they were used (and sometimes abused) in Greek life and literature, and their inherent binding power.

This book, first published in 2000, is a full-length study of the representation of deceit and lies in classical Athens. Dr Hesk traces the ways in which Athenian drama, democratic oratory and elite prose-writing construct and theorize a relationship between dishonesty and civic identity. He focuses on the ideology of military trickery, notions of the 'noble lie' and the developing associations of rhetorical language with deceptive communication. Deception and Democracy in Classical Athens combines close analysis of Athenian texts with lively critiques of modern theorists and classical scholars. Athenian democratic culture was crucially informed by a nuanced, anxious and dynamic discourse on the problems and opportunities which deception presented for its citizenry. Mobilizing comparisons with twentieth-century democracies, the author argues that Athenian literature made deception a fundamental concern for democratic citizenship. This ancient discourse on lying highlights the dangers of modern resignation and postmodern complacency concerning the politics and morality of deception.

Both in antiquity and in modern scholarship, classical Sparta has typically been viewed as an exceptional society, different in many respects from other Greek city-states. This view has recently come under challenge from revisionist historians, led by Stephen Hodkinson. This is the first book devoted explicitly to this lively historical controversy. Historians from Britain, Europe and the USA present different sides of the argument, using a variety of comparative approaches. The focus includes kingship and hegemonic structures, education and commensality, religious institutions and practice, helotage and ethnography. The volume concludes with a wide-ranging debate between Hodkinson and Mogens Herman Hansen (Director of the Copenhagen Polis Centre), on the overall question of whether Sparta was a normal or an exceptional polis.

The Encyclopedia of Deception examines lying from multiple perspectives drawn from the disciplines of social psychology, sociology, history, business, political science, cultural anthropology, moral philosophy, theology, law, family studies, evolutionary biology, philosophy, and more. From the "little white lie," to lying on a resume, to the grandiose lies of presidents, this two-volume reference explores the phenomenon of lying in a multidisciplinary context to elucidate this common aspect of our daily lives. Not only a cultural phenomenon historically, lying is a frequent occurrence in our everyday lives. Research shows that we are likely to lie or intentionally deceive others several times a day or in one out of every four conversations that lasts more than 10 minutes. Key Features: More than 360 authored by key figures in the field are organized A-to-Z in two volumes, which are available in both print and electronic formats. Entries are written in a clear and accessible style that invites readers to explore and reflect on the use of lying and self-deception. Each article concludes with cross references to related entries and further readings. This academic, multi-author reference work will serve as a general, non-technical resource for students and researchers within social and behavioral science programs who seek to better understand the historical role of lying and how it is employed in modern society. Key Themes: Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Animals and Nature Communication Deception in Different Cultures Entertainment, Media, and Sports Ethics, Morality, Religion Law, Business, and Academia Military Politics and Government (includes espionage) Psychology: Clinical and Developmental Psychology: Social, Law-Legal, Forensic Social History (lies in history; famous liars, hoaxes)

The shadow of death hovers over many of the rites and rituals of Freemasonry. In Letters on the Masonic Institution by John Quincy Adams we learn of an ancient Masonic ritual known as The Fifth Libation, which involves drinking wine from a human skull. Every Mason takes death oaths and several Masonic executions have taken place throughout history. Author Tom McKenney exposes the deadly secrets of this fraternity, which has more than three million members around the world. In a careful and objective manner, he reveals the connection between Freemasonry and the New Age Movement, and he delves into the occult roots of this secret society. 33 Degrees of Deception is a very comprehensive book that tells the personal story of one completely dedicated Mason—Jim Shaw, who became a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, Worshipful Master of the Blue Lodge, and Master of all Scottish Rite bodies. You will want to know why Jim Shaw left Masonry—and the price he paid for leaving. This book sheds light on the darkness of Freemasonry as the author gives penetrating answers to the questions many people ask about this secret society. Is there a connection between Masonry and the Illuminati? Why is Masonry opposed to Christian schools? Is Freemasonry a religion? Can a man be both a Christian and a Mason?