This paper draws attention to an existing parallel between ling. 5.8, where Varro unfolds his well-known theory of quattuor explanandi gradus of etymology, and de orat. 2.30, where Cicero has his characters restate the main positions in the debate surrounding ars rhetorica. I argue that this parallel is an intentional quotation by which Varro wanted to signal his alignment with Cicero, who had promoted a new conception of ars which released it from the strict requirement of guaranteeing a secure path to knowledge. This new conception had been prepared by Philo of Larissa’s innovations in Academic epistemology.
The status of ars etymologica in Varro and its Ciceronian origins
Lazzerini
2023-01-01
Abstract
This paper draws attention to an existing parallel between ling. 5.8, where Varro unfolds his well-known theory of quattuor explanandi gradus of etymology, and de orat. 2.30, where Cicero has his characters restate the main positions in the debate surrounding ars rhetorica. I argue that this parallel is an intentional quotation by which Varro wanted to signal his alignment with Cicero, who had promoted a new conception of ars which released it from the strict requirement of guaranteeing a secure path to knowledge. This new conception had been prepared by Philo of Larissa’s innovations in Academic epistemology.
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