The book explores Isocrates' innovative use of writing as a means of political engagement, highlighting how his approach differed from that of his contemporaries. It delves into his unique perspective on rhetoric and its role in shaping public discourse, offering insights into the intersection of literature and politics in ancient Greece. Through a detailed analysis, the text illustrates Isocrates' influence on political thought and his contributions to the development of civic responsibility.
This volume examines the idea of ancient education in a series of essays which span the archaic period to late antiquity. It calls into question the idea that education in antiquity is a disinterested process, arguing that teaching and learning were activities that occurred in the context of society.Education in Greek and Roman Antiquity brings together the scholarship of fourteen classicists who from their distinctive perspectives pluralize our understanding of what it meant to teach and learn in antiquity. These scholars together show that ancient education was a process of socialization that occurred through a variety of discourses and activities including poetry, rhetoric, law, philosophy, art and religion.
Exploring the intersection of rhetoric and political identity, this work delves into Isocrates' writings, highlighting his use of rhetoric to navigate the tensions of Athenian democracy. It critiques the traditional view of sophists, portraying Isocrates as a teacher who fosters political authority through discourse. The book presents a revisionist perspective on Athenian politics, emphasizing the significance of written culture in a society that prioritizes spoken expression. With translations provided, it caters to a broad audience interested in classics, political thought, and education.