SPCM 201 1st Edition Lecture 11Quintilian and Rhetoric in the Roman Empire Transition of Roman Empire Overthrow of government Quintilian (35C.E. - 96 C.E.) Spanish by birth (born in Spain) Still a member of the Roman citizenry Educated in rhetoric and law Practicing lawyer, but never pursued politics like Cicero Why? - Heard about Cicero getting beheaded and did not wish for the same - If he speaks out around the wrong people the chances of him dying are very high One of the most renowned rhetoric teachers of his day Only extant text: The Institutes of Oratory Quintilian says there is a great debate about rhetoric in Rome… Can the title Orator be applied to a bad person or must all Orators necessarily be good? Not just anyone- Very high, well-educated person Ethics and Quintilian’s Rhetoric Ethics is key to rhetoric according to Quintilian: (In)direct commentary on the Empire’s corrupt politics Frequently cities Cicero as a model of ethical oratory - What is greater meaning here? To be ethical, a good orator studies: Moral philosophy - Read Plato and Aristotle Civil Law- Know the ethical questions of the law History Poetry (among others) Maturity also helps ensure ethical oratoryThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. Quintilian Reviews Earlier Definitions of Rhetoric: Is it persuasion? NO: many things can persuade - Who does this sound like?—Plato Is it speech that “leads to that which they wish” NO: many people so this, including harlots, flatterers, and seducers How about Aristotle’s definition? NO: not sufficiently attached to practice Other definitions? NO: An exclusive focus on the political What then is rhetoric for Quintilian? Quintilian’s definition The “perfect orator” must be, “above all else,” a “good man” Therefore, rhetoric should ne defined as “a good man speaking well” As a result, only a good man can be called an OratorWhat do you think? How essential is ethics to being a good speaker? (Discussion) But what about…? “A good man, in defending a cause, may sometimes incline to withhold the truth from the judge…” Lying is apparently ok? At times… Knowing the truth inside What kind of times might this include? The greater goodRome The Fall of Rome A slow decline, facilitated from inside and outside the Empire Corruption from within Madness of Emperors (poor management) Changing populations (faith) Power struggles Shear size of the Empire Invading “hordes”: the Vandals, the Goths, and the Visigoths (among others)When the Fall of Rome…the west descends into the DARK
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