Cicero's Topica: Edited With An Introduction, Translation, And

Description:
Cicero's Topica is one of the canonical texts on ancient rhetorical theory. This is the first full-scale commentary on this work, and the first critical edition that is informed by a full analysis of its transmission. Cicero recommends an Aristotelian theory of argumentation to an expert on Roman law. The introduction and the commentary seek to elucidate the exact origins of the theory of argument used by Cicero and explain how it works. Moreover, since Cicero's suggestions for a reform of Roman civil law have parallels in similar efforts within the legal profession, Tobias Reinhardt considers how much common ground there is between Cicero and the jurists.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION; 1. The Topica in Cicero's Oeuvre; 2. A Short History of the Topos; 3. The Anonymous Seguerianus; 4. The Legal Aspect of the Topica; 5. The Transmission of the Topica; LATIN TEXT WITH FACING TRANSLATION; APPENDIX CRITICA; COMMENTARY