The evolution of the notion of topos: The evolutionary aspect of topos

This manuscript has enabled us to highlight the terminological conception of the notion of topos and its evolutionary aspect. We presented a dictionnary study which showed us that the definitions in modern works can be traced back to Aristotle. From then on, modern critics have simply reproduced Aristotle's definitions, adding only a few explanations or modifications. They agree that topoi present a repertoire that facilitates intervention and argumentation methods. We have also insisted on the evolutionary aspect of this notion: it has evolved both positively and negatively. Some consider it fundamental and indispensable to all argumentation: topoi are "the axioms of reasoning", a principle from which we derive the propositions of our syllogisms. And others say they are an artificial method, empty forms common to all arguments, and have become clichés, stereotypes. This notion has an evolutionary aspect: it has known moments of apogee and moments of decadence, and each time we note a return of this notion.