171-180

Syrianus’ critical attitude towards Evagoras, Aquila and Minucianus

• Μανωλέα, Χριστίνα - Παναγιώτα

The article deals with the way the Neoplatonic philosopher Syrianus criticizes three figures or rhetorical theory, namely Evagoras, Aquila and Minucianus. Using as evidence his commentary on Hermogenes’ De ideis and De statibus, the author concludes that Syrianus believes that knowledge of philosophy is essential, even for writing on theoretical rhetoric. Minucianus is severely criticized by Syrianus for not having enough knowledge of philosophy. Syrianus ’ bitter attacks, though, place Minucianus in a better position than Hermogenes does, as the latter criticizes Minucianus severely and rejects his arguments without even naming him. From his part, Syrianus always names Minucianus when he attacks his theories and accuses him for not being consistent or for not having enough philosophical knowledge. On the contrary, his attitude towards Evagoras and Aquila is different. He praises both of them for incorporating philosophical elements in their rhetorical works and, although he does not agree with them in every detail of their theories, he acknowledges them as important figures of later Greek rhetorical theory. The fact that Syrianus regards the knowledge of philosophy as a key element in the background of people who write on rhetoric can be used as an extra argument in favor of the view that the author of the commentary on Hermogenes is indeed Syrianus, son of Philoxenus, Head of the Neoplatonic school of Athens from 432 to 437 AD.

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

• Φιλοσοφία, Αρχαία