Ethical and epistemological aspects' convergence in the foundation of Stoic Rhetoric

Abstract

Rhetoric is intepreted by ancient Stoa (against the platonic and aristotelic tradition) as epistéme; a concept which works as a criterion of scientific demarcation while it points out the limit between wisdom and ignorance. Specifically, rhetoric is defined as the science of “speak well”; in fact, this definition supposes not only a merit of a logical nature but also a positive value judgment with regard to the person who exercises it. Therefore, the semantic range of the appointed conception trascends the epistemological level and involves the ethical sphere. In this sense, our objective will be to formulate a critical perspective which expresses how both aspects establish –jointly, but with different overtones– the rhetorical discipline and to indicate the series of difficulties that such foundation presents.