Abstract

BELLIDO, Francisco J.. Models of the Past in Cicero's Rhetorical Writings: A Study about their Moral and Educational Value. Diánoia [online]. 2021, vol.66, n.87, pp.3-23.  Epub Mar 14, 2022. ISSN 0185-2450.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iifs.18704913e.2021.87.1808.

I argue that Cicero's innovative understanding of the models based on characters from the past consisted in conferring them skills to be applied in the legal and political disputes of Rome and, at the same time, to improve the performance of young orators and apprentices with a mixed model of rhetoric. Both the technical ability and practical prudence of these authorities to see crucial aspects in particular cases and to adapt to adverse circumstances serve to the craft of rhetoricians and lawyers. These two features, and not the large knowledge or fame these figures acquired in life, took Cicero to recognise certain orators and thinkers as sources of moral and formative inspiration

Keywords : authorities from the past; Roman rhetoric; decorum; moral education.

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