The book written by Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, contains two controversial debates between distinguished speakers of Athens. The two corresponding sides produce convincing arguments which can be taken as if produced as an honest opinion or out of self-interest. The two debates must be analyzed separately in order to conclude which one and which side was speaking out of honest opinion or self-interest, as well as which speakers are similar to each other in their approach to the situation.

In the Mytilene Debate the two speakers are Creon, presenting the side in favor of killing the people, and Diodotus, on the opposing side. The two speakers present their opinions on the best way to deal with the Mytilenean people as a consequence after their revolt, as well as actions that should overall be taken in the future if history were to repeat itself. The two sides...