Magdalena Jaworska, Michał Klementowicz

The Method of Rhetoric as Seen by John Italos

Introduction

The method of rhetoric as seen by john italos. Explore Byzantine philosopher John Italos' 11th-century rhetoric treatise. Analyze his unique views, Aristotelian influences, syllogisms, and its distinction from dialectic and ethics.

Abstract

John Italos (1025–1085), a prominent Byzantine philosopher, was not regarded by his contemporaries as a great rhetorician. However, even from an early age, he did make a name for himself as a dialectician and polemicist. For this reason, his treatise, Methodos Rhetorikê garnered considerable attention. The present article seeks to demonstrate that this important work possesses some key intellectual elements relevant to rhetoric. Besides the title of the work, Italos’ references to the Aristotelian view of the art of speech demonstrates such relevance. In particular, we highlight the use of syllogisms and the notion of the distinctiveness of rhetoric from controversy and dialectic. At the same time, the eleventh century scholar’s proposal includes elements of rhetoric that depart from the Stagirites’ views, such as ways of understanding the ethos of the speaker, certain principles related to argumentation, and the relationship between rhetoric and ethics. Our analysis of Italos’ work makes it possible to appreciate the reception of classical rhetorical content in the EasternRoman Empire in 11th century.

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