Overview

A fundamental reappraisal of Plutarch’s attitude towards rhetoric. Plutarch was not only a skilled writer, but also lived during the Second Sophistic, a period of cultural renaissance. This book offers new insights into Plutarch’s seemingly moderate attitude towards rhetoric. The hypothesis explored in this study introduces, for the first time, the broader literary and cultural contexts that influenced and restricted the scope of Plutarch’s message. When these contexts are considered, a new perspective emerges that differs from that found in earlier studies. It paints a picture of a philosopher who may not regard rhetoric as a lesser means of persuasion, but who faces challenges in openly articulating this stance in his public discourse. Ebook available in Open Access. This publication is GPRC-labeled (Guaranteed Peer-Reviewed Content).

Full Product Details

Author:   Theofanis Tsiampokalos
Publisher:   Leuven University Press
Imprint:   Leuven University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.500kg
ISBN:  

9789462704190

ISBN 10:   9462704198
Pages:   248
Publication Date:   29 May 2024
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Note to the Reader Introduction 1. Plutarch and Rhetoric 2. A ‘conversion’ from rhetoric to philosophy? 3. The texts at issue and related problems 4. The analytical scope of the present study Teaching and Persuasion 1. Introduction 2. Philosophical teaching: its content and political dimension 3. Persuasion in the service of teaching 4. Examples of individuals who persuade and teach 5. Parrhesia and trust 6. Conclusion Character and Speech 1. Introduction 2. Character as a means of persuasion 3. The subsidiary role of rhetoric 4. Conclusion Rhetoric and Beneficence 1. Introduction 2. Other means of exercising power 3. Rhetoric in place of beneficence 4. Why rhetoric? 5. Conclusion The Philosopher and the Sophists 1. Introduction 2. The critique of the sophists 3. The direct confrontation in the lecture hall 4. The indirect confrontation in the political arena 5. The reception of the confrontation in subsequent generations 6. Conclusion Conclusion Bibliography Index Locorum Index Nominum et Rerum

Reviews

It will undoubtedly become the most widely read and influential monograph on Plutarch and rhetoric in print, and has much to say to scholars of the so-called Second Sophistic as well as to everyone interested in the position of rhetoric in antiquity and its relationship with other branches of knowledge, such as philosophy. – Chrysanthos S. Chrysanthou, Assistant Professor of Ancient Greek, University of Cyprus

Author Information

Theofanis Tsiampokalos is research associate in classics at Trier University.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions