Juan Luis Vives: Politics, Rhetoric, and Emotions

This book explores Juan Luis Vives' intellectual oeuvre, arguing that he adjusted rhetorical theory to a monarchical context, demonstrated the actualization of Erasmian languages of ethical self-government and political peace, and rethought the cognitive and emotional foundations of humanist rhetoric in his late work "De anima et vita." He believed that political concord could only be upheld through responsible rhetoric that respected decorum and civility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of rhetoric and politics, providing a fresh perspective on the intellectual oeuvre of Juan Luis Vives. It argues that Vives adapted his rhetorical theory to the context of a monarchical society, where direct speech was not feasible. He demonstrated how Erasmian languages of ethical self-government and political peace were actualized rhetorically and critically within a princely environment. Furthermore, he reimagined the cognitive and emotional foundations of humanist rhetoric in his renowned work, De anima et vita (1538). Ultimately, towards the end of his life, Vives embodied a distinct cognitive view of politics. He maintained that political concord was not solely a result of institutional or legal reform or the spiritual transformation of the Christian world (an optimistic Erasmian interpretation). Instead, he believed that concord could only be sustained once the dynamics of emotions that drove political action were understood and controlled through responsible rhetoric that upheld decorum and civility.

This book explores the intersection of rhetoric and politics, offering a novel interpretation of Juan Luis Vives' intellectual legacy. It argues that Vives tailored his rhetorical theory to the context of a monarchical society, where direct speech was not an option. He demonstrated how Erasmian languages of ethical self-government and political peace were realized rhetorically and critically within a princely environment. Furthermore, he reimagined the cognitive and emotional foundations of humanist rhetoric in his renowned work, De anima et vita (1538). Ultimately, towards the end of his life, Vives embodied a distinct cognitive perspective on politics. He maintained that political harmony was not solely a product of institutional or legal reform or the spiritual transformation of the Christian world (an optimistic Erasmian interpretation). Instead, he believed that harmony could only be sustained once the dynamics of emotions that drove political action were understood and controlled through responsible rhetoric that upheld decorum and civility.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032146713