Cicero And The Sophists

Chapter Summary

This chapter explores Cicero's apprehension, assessment, and exploitation of sophistic rhetoric in prosecuting his theoretical agenda concerning oratory. Cicero makes at least 119 historical and critical references to sophistic rhetoric in treatises and letters. From 35 critical references, Cicero recognized artistic merit in sophistic rhetoric and especially stylistic innovations in rounding sentences and prose rhythm. However, he complained about the sophists' claim to speak on any subject and their tendency toward an excessive and impractical style. Cicero applied the sophistic doctrine that the orator must speak on all subjects in De oratore, but, in correction of the sophists, he required that the orator must know the matters whereof he speaks. Likewise, he theorized about rounded sentences and prose rhythm in De oratore and Orator, but unlike the sophists, he envisioned their typical application in the courts and deliberative assemblies.

Keywords: Cicero; De oratore; Orator; sophists