Brill’s New Pauly

Get access
Search Results: | 7 of 76 |

Aphorism
(512 words)

(Ἀφορισμός; aphorismós).

[German version]

A. Definition

Today the aphorism is an independent literary genre (on the difference from the  apophthegma [3. 29-33]); its formal distinguishing features are: the restriction with regard to the connection, the arbitrariness of the sequence of numerous aphorisms, the tight, also pointed formulation, the astute, critical, even unconventional and provocative interpretation of human conditions [4. 773 and (examples) 774-781; 6].

Cite this page
Gärtner, Hans Armin (Heidelberg), “Aphorism”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e127230>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



▲   Back to top   ▲