Wounded heroes : vulnerability as a virtue in ancient Greek literature and philosophy Vulnerability is not often associated with virtue. Yet to be vulnerable is central to human experience. In this book McCoy examines ways in which Greek epic tragedy and philosophy have important insights to offer about the nature of human vulnerability and how human beings might better come to terms with their own vulnerability. While studies of Greek heroism and virtue often focus on strength of character prowess in war or the achievement of honour for oneself or one’s society McCoy examines another side to Greek thought that extols the recognition and proper acceptance of vulnerability. McCoy begins with the literary works of Homer’s Iliad Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex Oedipus at Colonus and Philoctetes before expanding her analysis to philosophical works. There she analyzes imagery of wounding in Plato’s Gorgias and Symposium as well as Aristotle’s work on the vulnerability inherent in friendship and an innovative interpretation of tragic catharsis in the Poetics. As much a work of philosophy as of classical textual analysis McCoy’s work aims at a deeper understanding of the virtues of vulnerability for individuals and societies alike.