Probability in the Roman rhetoric Cover Image

Prawdopodobieństwo w retoryce rzymskiej
Probability in the Roman rhetoric

Author(s): Marek Hermann
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Retoryczne
Keywords: rhetoric; truth; probability; persuasion

Summary/Abstract: This article considers the question of probability in the Roman rhetoric. The modern scholars turn their attention first of all to Greek probability. This essay try to show that also Roman orators were very interested in this persuasive instrument. The examination is based on Latin rhetorical treatises, Rhetorica ad Herennium, Cicero’s De inventione, Quintilian’s Institutio oratoria and on the texts of Rhetores Latini Minores. The article concludes by considering probability in the Roman rhetoric as a very impressive, even more credible than the truth, mean of persuasion.

  • Issue Year: 1/2014
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 61-76
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish