The Substructure of stasis-theory from Hermagoras to Hermogenes

Abstract

This paper analyses the history of the scheme aition, sunekhon, krinomenon in the rhetorical theory of stasis (issue-theory). The role of this scheme in the theory of Hermagoras of Temnos is reconstructed; it is shown that successive changes of position in Cicero's theoretical writings reflect the breakdown of Hermagoras' system. Responses to this breakdown in a number of later rhetoricians, including Quintilian, Lollianus and Minucianus, are discussed; Zeno and Hermogenes abandoned the scheme.

A Legal Semiotics Framework for Exploring the Origins of Hermagorean Stasis

“…However, in the logic of the Aristotelian syllogism, the major term (class/genus) cannot attach to the minor term (defendant) through a damaged middle term. 27 A second defense tactic would be to utterly deny the attachment of the distributed middle term to the major term-to contend, for example, that all cases of blaspheming the gods are just and right or that blaspheming the gods has no connection at all with the potential for consequent punishment. Such a tactic, however, might be more challenging than establishing an undistributed middle term: In an adjudicatory syllogism, the major premise generally represents the law.…”

“…In Topics, Aristotle writes, ''[F]or if part is subverted, the whole definition is subverted also'' [2, §151b]. 27 The notion of distribution may be easiest to grasp in this flawed syllogism: People live in Greenland; we in this room are people; we live in Greenland. 28 Aristotle labels this tactic a ''contrary'' proposition [3, §17b, 24b].…”

La semplicità e la semplificazione: fra l’ideologia e la retorica

“…Come una griglia analitica per i contributi reperibili in rete, è stato adottato il modello retorico dello status quaestionis, fatto risalire a Ermagora ed Ermogene (v. Patillon, 1988;Heath, 1994;v. anche il testo originale di Ermogene, la traduzione a cura di Podbielski, 2012). Originariamente, il modello serviva per controllare la dinamica della disputa nel contesto giudiziario, quando l'accusatore e il difensore lottavano per l'impostazione della causa conforme ai loro ruoli istituzionali: per o contro l'accusato.…”

Rhetorical Heuristics: Probabilistic Strategies in Complex Oratorical Arguments

“…Rhetorical heuristics can influence and sway the decision-making processes of the listeners by imitating common forms of human probabilistic reasoning. 3 They could provide a functional Footnote 2 continued that can be applied in composition or media analysis (Heath 1994;Laurel 1967;Underwood 1980). I demonstrated (Tahin 2009) that in the practice of ancient oratory these schemes alone were not enough to provide complex persuasive strategies in individual forensic or political cases.…”