Plutarch and Rhetoric

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).

"Plutarch and Rhetoric" was written by Theofanis Tsiampokalos.

Theofanis Tsiampokalos is research associate in classics at Trier University.

Yes, "Plutarch and Rhetoric" is part of the "Plutarchea Hypomnemata" series.

The series Plutarchea Hypomnemata intends to further the scholarly study of, and international dialogue on, this rich Corpus Plutarcheum. To that end it welcomes monographs that explore specific themes developed in one or more Plutarchan writings, offer a thorough interpretation of and/or commentary on a particular text, or discuss various aspects of Plutarch's authorial activity, philosophical thinking, religious ideas, political convictions, and attitude towards history, science, and the arts. We also welcome studies that situate him in broader ideological and literary contexts (such as the so-called ‘Second Sophistic', ‘Middle Platonism', ancient biography) and/or in a contemporary political, social, and religious context.

Volumes in this series meet the highest scholarly standards and contribute significantly to the field of Plutarch studies. Specifically, they raise innovative questions while firmly grounded in sound methodology; they reach well-argued and original conclusions; and they are disseminated in the appropriate scientific format. This overall quality is guaranteed by international peer review.

Editorial Board

Jan Opsomer (KU Leuven), Geert Roskam (KU Leuven), Frances Titchener (Utah State University, Logan), Luc Van der Stockt † (KU Leuven)

Proposals

Proposals and enquiries can be sent to Geert Roskam. Please send a preliminary abstract (1-2 pp.) and a short bio. Upon approval of this abstract, the full manuscript will be submitted to international peer review. Two peer reviewers will be asked for expert advice, three in case of conflicting reports. At least one peer reviewer is not a member of the editorial or advisory board.

Please make use of the submission form to present your manuscript or proposal to our board.
Authors interested in Open Access can consult the available funding options.

Links & Resources

Yes, "Plutarch and Rhetoric" is published Open Access. It is available under a BY-NC-ND license.

Publication of "Plutarch and Rhetoric" was funded by KU Leuven Fund for Fair Open Access
.

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