Quintilian

Definition

Quintilian was a prominent Roman educator and rhetorician who lived from 35 to 100 AD, best known for his influential work, 'Institutio Oratoria'. He focused on the art of rhetoric and the education of orators, stressing the importance of moral character in effective communication. His teachings laid the foundation for the study of rhetoric in both Ancient Rome and later periods, emphasizing that orators should not only be skilled in speaking but also virtuous in their actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quintilian emphasized the importance of natural talent combined with education for becoming an effective orator.
2. His work 'Institutio Oratoria' is divided into twelve books, addressing various aspects of rhetoric, including style, delivery, and the ethical responsibilities of speakers.
3. He believed that rhetoric should be grounded in ethics, arguing that a good orator must also be a good person, possessing moral integrity.
4. Quintilian advocated for a comprehensive education that included not only rhetorical training but also literature, philosophy, and grammar.
5. His ideas about teaching rhetoric influenced educational practices throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, making him a key figure in the history of Western education.

Review Questions

• How did Quintilian's views on moral character influence the practice of rhetoric in Ancient Rome?
  • Quintilian's emphasis on moral character transformed the practice of rhetoric by asserting that effective communication is not just about technique but also about ethics. He believed that an orator must be virtuous to persuade audiences genuinely. This perspective encouraged speakers to cultivate personal integrity alongside their rhetorical skills, ultimately impacting how rhetoric was taught and practiced in Ancient Rome.
• Compare Quintilian's approach to rhetoric with that of the Sophists. What were the key differences?
  • Quintilian's approach to rhetoric differed significantly from that of the Sophists. While the Sophists were often criticized for their relativistic approach to truth and emphasis on persuasion at any cost, Quintilian championed the idea that rhetoric should be rooted in ethical principles. He believed that true effectiveness in speaking comes from a combination of skill and moral character, unlike the Sophists who prioritized winning arguments over maintaining ethical standards.
• Evaluate Quintilian's lasting impact on modern education and rhetorical studies. How do his principles continue to resonate today?
  • Quintilian's impact on modern education and rhetorical studies is profound, as his principles regarding the ethical dimensions of communication remain relevant. By advocating for a well-rounded education that included literature and philosophy alongside rhetoric, he shaped curricular designs in educational institutions that still exist today. His insistence that orators should embody moral virtues continues to resonate with contemporary discussions on public speaking ethics and the responsibilities of communicators in society.

Related terms

Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, often using figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Sophists: A group of professional educators in ancient Greece who taught rhetoric and public speaking, often criticized for their relativistic views on truth.

Cicero:

A Roman statesman and orator whose works greatly influenced the development of Latin prose and rhetoric during the late Republic.