Authority and Expertise in Ancient Scientific Culture

Ancient writers made their work authoritative by using competitive and assertive styles of self-presentation, acknowledging the limitations of their knowledge, and resisting close identification with narrow versions of expert identity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 485 pages
\n Publication date: 22 July 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating realm of ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers, exploring their strategies for establishing authority in their respective disciplines. Spanning a wide array of ancient fields, including mathematics, medicine, architecture, agriculture, law, historiography, and philosophy, the book primarily focuses on the literature of the Roman Empire. It sheds light on common practices shared by these diverse disciplines while also showcasing how individual texts and authors employed unique techniques to assert their authority. The book emphasizes the significance of competitive and assertive self-presentation styles, while also examining the pressures that sometimes worked against these approaches. In a concluding chapter, Sir Geoffrey Lloyd provides a comparative analysis of scientific authority and expertise in ancient Chinese, Indian, and Mesopotamian cultures.

Introduction:
In the ancient world, scientific and knowledge-ordering writers sought to establish their authority and credibility in their respective fields. They employed various strategies to convey their expertise and expertise to their audiences. This book aims to explore these strategies and their impact on the development of scientific and intellectual discourse in the ancient world.

Common Practices:
One of the common practices employed by ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers was the use of authoritative sources. They relied on well-established texts, such as the works of Aristotle, Plato, and Hippocrates, to support their arguments and claims. These sources were considered reliable and authoritative, and their inclusion in their works lent credibility to the writers themselves.

Manipulation of Standard Techniques:
In addition to relying on authoritative sources, ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers also manipulated standard techniques of self-authorization. They employed various rhetorical devices, such as logical reasoning, persuasive language, and appeals to tradition, to establish their authority. They also used personal anecdotes and experiences to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge.

Competitive and Assertive Styles:
Ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers were often competitive and assertive in their self-presentation. They sought to distinguish themselves from their contemporaries and establish their expertise in their respective fields. They often engaged in debates and discussions with other scholars, and their assertive and confident demeanor helped to establish their authority.

Acknowledging Limitations:
However, not all ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers were confident in their knowledge and authority. Some recognized the limitations of their own knowledge and sought to acknowledge them in their works. They recognized that their understanding was limited and that there was always more to learn. This humility and willingness to admit mistakes helped to establish their credibility and authority.

Resistance to Narrow Expert Identities:
In some cases, ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers resisted close identification with narrow versions of expert identity. They sought to broaden their perspectives and incorporate ideas from other disciplines and cultures. They were open to new ideas and willing to challenge traditional beliefs and practices. This willingness to transcend boundaries helped to establish their authority and credibility.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, ancient scientific and knowledge-ordering writers used a variety of strategies to establish their authority and credibility in their respective fields. They relied on authoritative sources, manipulated standard techniques of self-authorization, employed competitive and assertive styles, acknowledged their limitations, and resisted close identification with narrow versions of expert identity. These strategies helped to shape the development of scientific and intellectual discourse in the ancient world and continue to influence our understanding of these disciplines today.

\n Weight: 834g\n
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781107629646\n \n