ìThe sufficient test of the wisdom of oneís measures is found by walking them around the forum, and personal ambition (from ambio: to go around, as in a canvas) need not be at odds with public accordî (Harriman on republicanism, Political Style, 114). ìAnd so [Cicero] argues back and forth, with himself and others, always trying to find the solution most satisfying to the most peopleî (114).
Iím kinda liking this old Greek guy, at least as he is represented by Harriman. Some quotes (summaries, paraphrases) of interest:
ìThese precepts [self-government, civic virtues, cautions against private and commercial interests]Örequire that public institutions (such as the [university], public practices (such as the [instruction of communication], and public figures (such as [faculty]) cultivate a moral sense in the [student body] that would result in decisions being made primarily with regard to the common good. [This] achievementÖrequires active participation by individuals successfully striving to overcome their private interests through common deliberation, and the stability of the [department] through time depends on its ability to cultivate individuals possessing this virtuous characterî (96). I am
ìGadamer emphasizes that interpretation always requires explicit mediation between the text and its recreation in the present. This mediation is exemplified by the process of translation, which inevitably involves decisions to emphasize or de-emphasize features of the original textî (98-99). Also, ìGadamerís requirement that ëevery translation that takes its task seriously is at once clearer and flatter than the originalíî (99-100). Li and I are engaged in this process right now as we develop the script for Sundayís performance. :-)
ìCicero revealsÖhis use of the letters as a hermeneutical space: They become an explicit mediation of his other texts and so a medium of understandingî (99). As Iíve been attempting (in fits and starts) with the blogÖ
The 4 basic topics (banter, business, politics and personal burdens) and the 4 mood tones (joy of combat, angst, fretting, anguish) in Ciceroís letters ì[suggest] that the basic action of Ciceroís story is emotional movementî (101). An early example of reflecting upon oneís own subjectivity?
Some comments on ìmiddlebrow artistryî (102) seems likely to predict the quality of our theatrical attempt. (Horrors!) Hannah wants ìcampî (me in drag!) but I tried to explain that would be a bit of a diversion from our primary task (weíre focused more on ethnicity and nationality than on gender and sexual orientation).
ì[The] ability to abstract a situation (by defining it in terms of the formal elements of its composition) and then set aside the abstraction (and so return to the situation and act) is an essential movement in this technical intelligenceî (103-4).
A reminder (again!) of ìthe classical concept of decorumÖto consider propriety Ö [as] Ö norms of appropriateness ñ for example, to occasion, subject, and characterÖIn every case, ëwhatever else decorum is, it is essentially balance in oneís entire way of life as well as in individual actions.í Within the republican style, both influence and integrity will come from balancing the tensions between assertion and deference, virtue and virtuosityÖî (106).
ìCivic republicanismÖis a manner of thinking animated by the social practice of public debate and the performative ideals of the art of oratory. It is staged, and so grander than life; it is aesthetic, and so experienced rather than avowed; andÖaddressed to the events of the dayÖî (107).
Assumptions about public address: ìit provides strict accountability, is a mode of action, and is decisiveî (108).
ìThe attitude here is comic, for the political relationship constituted in speech is achieved by all pretending to be what they initially are notî (110, emphasis added!) Social construction of realityÖor should I dare even more precision? The dialogic or discursive construction of reality. :-) It reminds me of Madeline LíEngleís definition of faith as ìthe willing suspension of disbelief.î
ìThe political strategy implicit in this culture is to shore up the [department], first, by keeping everyone reading, writing, and talking, and, second, by providing for a culture of eloquence that is more versatile and so more adaptable to change because it is grounded in several verbal artsî (112).
ìThe proper analysis of a situation requires coordination of what others involved think is and should be the case and that a decision must maintain both the express objectives of policy and the political relations sustaining policy makingî (113, emphasis added). To wit, Cicero proclaims (in a given instance): ìI am defending as best I can the alliance I myself cementedî (113).
Ciceroís 4 types of decorum: human nature, individual character, circumstance, and career choice. ìíPrimarily we must decide who we want to be, what kind of person we want to be, and what sort of life we want to leadíî (117).
ìRepublican composition occurs within a dialectic of internal dialogue and external performanceî (119).
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