Hermogenes On Issues: Strategies of Argument in Later Greek Rhetoric

by Malcolm Heath

This is the only modern English translation with commentary in print of this important treatise by Hermogenes of Tarsus (AD C. 160-225). The book makes sophisticated theories of argument developed by Greek teachers of rhetoric in the second century AD accessible both to specialist and non-specialist readers.

284 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 1995

Reviews

[Brent Pinkall · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a good reason why Hermogenes's stasis system became authoritative throughout the middle ages amidst a number of competing systems. His explanation of each stasis is the clearest of any rhetoric text I have read, and his taxonomy is the most logical in my opinion (he organizes the stases a bit differently from Quintilian, Cicero, Ad Herennium, etc.). His corresponding list of topics for each stasis is also the most comprehensive of any of these works. It's a shame that this English translation is so expensive, otherwise I would assign it to my rhetoric students.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malcolm Heath first introduces Hermogenes’ On Issues as follows: “if you know what case you have to argue, then the theory of invention offers systematic guidance as to how that case may plausibly be argued” (v). Acknowledging the highly technical and taxonomic nature of the text, he is careful to note that its structure is a testament not to “an academic obsession with trivia,” but to the seriousness granted to the highly practical art of rhetoric in Hermogenes’ day: “The formidable abstraction and complexity of the theory … may reflect the intrinsic difficulty of the problems [of effective rhetoric pedagogy] and the seriousness with which they were taken” (2-3). Heath refers to the second century BCE, during which Hermogenes’ text was written, as the century when “[issue-]theory was brought to full maturity by Greek rhetoricians” such as Hermogenes (20). On Issues went on to become particularly influential in the eastern portion of the Roman Empire, a counterpart to Cicero’s influence in the western regions.

As for the primary text, Hermogenes begins by stating, “The present discussion deals with the division of political questions into what are known as heads,” which he presents as the “most important” element of rhetoric and “almost identical with the theory of invention” (28). “Political” here leaves room for both judicial and deliberative disputes, though Hermogenes’ examples are primarily judicial. He divides issues into four primary categories: conjecture, definition, quality, and objection, with “quality” being further subdivided into “logical” and “legal” issues (71). The former consists of disputes about acts both future (deliberative) and past (judicial), and the latter deals with disputes about the interpretation and application of the law (33-34). Throughout the treatise, Hermogenes’ theory resonates with other staples of classical rhetoric. The influence of the progymnasmata, for instance, can be seen in Hermogenes advice on how common topics and encomia are relevant components of various issues.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a teacher of Rhetoric wishes to train his students how to be prepared to argue forensic cases in a ordered and skillful manner, few books will be as helpful in doing so as Hermogenes' On Issues. Malcolm Heath has done a masterful job of translating, commenting, and exemplifying the division of cases presented by Hermogenes. Heath not only exposits, but corrects and clarifies what is a difficult text and complicated theory. The difficulties of helping students understand and use Hermogenes' is considerable, but the fruit is worth the labor.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, especially, I’m sure for those who like to study forensic rhetoric, but I think most applicable to me in terms of teaching. I love to tech the stases because it helps students to work through complex arguments and identify where they agree and disagree with their interlocutors.

[Christopher Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would absolutely adore this book if you are: 1. into falling asleep, or 2. stases/stasis theory.