Abstract
In classical logic and rhetoric the strategies of argumentation known as topoi played a crucial role. Yet, topoi refer there to different kinds of strategies that this study intends to explain synoptically. Main focus will be on passages from Aristotle and Cicero. Indeed, these sources contain examples and theoretical considerations, which provide the basis for a general investigation of the complex phenomenon of topoi in the ancient world. Four main types of topoi will be juxtaposed and discusses comparatively as a way to inspire historical reconstructions of the system of topoi, as well as modern theory formation on argumentation where topoi still receive much attention.
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Acknowledgements
I wish to thank Dr. Hans Gottschalk († 2003) who supervised my PhD dissertation, giving me constant challenge and inspiration. I owe special thank to Professor Peter J. Schulz for his invaluable insight, guidance and advice. I am grateful to Professor Eddo Rigotti, Professor Franz Van Eemeren, Professor Peter Houtlosser and Professor David Leven for several precious discussions on sections of this paper. I also thank the anonymous reviewers who provided very detailed and useful comments.
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Rubinelli, S. The Ancient Argumentative Game: τóπoι and loci in Action. Argumentation 20, 253–272 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10503-006-9010-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10503-006-9010-2