Dissertation: Roman rhetoric textbooks had a key influence on the development of Western political theory (Salokas)
The reasons behind the influence of rhetoric were that, first, Roman textbooks of rhetoric were the most read works in the Middle Ages, second, they included political theory, and third, knowledge of actual political treatises from antiquity was limited at this stage. Thus, political theory adopted features of rhetorical theory.
This influence is particularly clear in the thinking of one of the founders of Western political theory in the Middle Ages, John of Salisbury (c. 1115–1180), and in his main work, Policraticus (c. 1159). John adopted the definition of politics, social theory, and the ideal of political leader from rhetorical theory, and it also influenced his famous theory of tyrannicide. Salokas’s research increases knowledge of the broad lines of Western political thought, it explains the nature of political theory, and it also helps to understand John of Salisbury himself.
YTM, FM Tuomo-Paavo Salokas defends their doctoral dissertation in Philosophy "The Formation of Western Political Theory: A Rhetorical Interpretation – from Latin rhetorical sources to John of Salisbury" on August 16 2025 at 12:00 to 15:00 at Seminaarinmäki campus, in lecture hall C2 (main building). Opponent is Professor Cary J. Nederman (Texas A&M University) and custos Professor Mikko Yrjönsuuri (University of Jyväskylä). Event is in English.
