In Dubiis Libertas: A Diogenic Attitude for a Politics of Distrust

Christopher J. Gilbert Indiana University Bloomington

Abstract

Cynicism is generally considered anathema to democratic politics. This essay argues that it is a potential wellspring of constructive distrust. Diogenes of Sinope, the fountainhead of Cynic philosophy, is recollected as a means for recuperating cynicism as an attitude, and thus a mode of civic being, rather than simply a social condition. Particular attention is paid to the liberatory promise of the Cynic exercises of parrhesia (truth-telling), askesis (training), and ponos (hard work), as well as the use of chreiai (anecdotes) as critical rhetorical devices, in order to approach a more charitable and humane politics. Street and graffiti artist, Banksy, is situated as an important figure of contemporary cynic citizenship.

Journal
Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published
2012-01-01
DOI
10.1080/02773945.2011.618173
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Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Philosophy & Rhetoric
  2. Rhetoric Society Quarterly

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