RHETORIC AS A SKILLED LABOUR AND THE DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONALISM IN QUINTILIAN’S INSTITUTIO ORATORIA1

Abstract

ABSTRACT – The Institutio oratoria of Quintilian is a crucial witness to understanding the
problem of rhetoric as a profession in ancient Greece and Rome. First, we can study rhetoric
as technical knowledge from a theoretical point of view. Quintilian himself is aware of the
importance of this aspect and precisely defines the status of rhetoric as a profession and its relationship
with other professions at the end of the second book of the Institutio oratoria. Second,
we can analyse the various aspects of Quintilian as a professional of rhetoric through extensive
reading of his work. More specifically, we can investigate the relationship with his clients, the
various aspects and functions of his being a rhetorician, his cultural and professional projects
and the relationship between the public and the private dimension.