Aristotle on Language and Style
The Concept of Lexis

Divides Aristotle's concept of lexis into three interconnected levels, exposing numerous valuable statements on language and style.

Ana Kotarcic (Author)

9781108730785, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 March 2022

238 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.1 cm, 0.6 kg

This is the first systematic analysis of Aristotle's concept of lexis. Ana Kotarcic argues that it should be approached on three interconnected levels: the first dealing with language as a system, the second with actual language usage, into which sociolinguistic factors come into play, and the third with prescriptions for the kind of language to be used in poetic and rhetorical compositions. She introduces ideas and concepts from classics and modern linguistics into the analysis alongside the philosophical approaches which have prevailed until now. The results reveal that Aristotle's ideas on lexis are complex, well-developed and intimately connected to many other fundamental concepts in his works, such as aret?, energeia, ?thos, logos, mim?sis, pathos, phantasia and techn?. A major component of his thought is therefore illuminated comprehensively for the first time.

Introduction
1. On the way to Aristotle's concept of lexis
2. The first level of lexis: Aristotle's fundamentals of language
3. The second level of lexis: language in use
4. The third level of lexis: its intra-textual aspect
5. The third level of lexis: its extra-textual aspect
6. Metaphor revisited.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], Philosophy of language [CFA], Language: history & general works [CBX]