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Rhetoric, philosophy, and transformation in the thought of Michael Psellos
Champion, Michael
Champion, Michael
Author
Abstract
[Extract] This chapter takes up investigation of these different modes of self-transformation by considering Psellos’ account of how rhetoric relates to philosophy. It begins by clarifying Psellos’ inclusion of rhetoric within philosophy.7 It then explores how rhetoric functions as philosophy in politics and aesthetics. Rhetoric is essential for ordering diverse legal virtues, and thus for the performance of political virtues. Psellos also sees rhetoric as part of philosophy since it excites and directs emotions and desires and can perform aesthetic judgements. Rhetoric forms a part of transformative philosophy by orienting philosophers towards the beautiful in harmonious discourse. Sublime rhetoric can also provide an impulse for philosophical transformation, both by displaying the gulf between creator and creature and by recasting ordinary events as transformative salvation history. Therefore, in Psellos’ hands, rhetoric becomes a vehicle within a soteriological framework for transformation towards godlikeness across the domains of ethics, politics, and aesthetics.
Keywords
Date
2023
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
Later Platonists and their heirs among Christians, Jews, and Muslims : Texts and studies in Eastern Christianity
Volume
Issue
Page Range
211-231
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
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Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled