Problemi di filologia filosofica: la letteratura isagogica

This paper focuses on late-antique isagogical literature, a point of intersection between philological and philosophical concerns, and a fascinating area attesting to the written beginning of (the teaching of) specific disciplines, works, and authors. My aim is to re-discuss the definition of εἰσαγωγή given by Mario Untersteiner in a wellknown volume, by highlighting how it offers a solution to problems related to literary criticism, philology and philosophy. Starting from this definition, it is possible to include isagogical writings in a precise literary and philosophical genre that can encompass other categories. I will analyse Untersteiner’s definition of εἰσαγωγή and classification of texts with an isagogical function by focusing on the writings he draws upon, in order to verify the coherence of the procedure adopted and the consistency of the final outcome. Based on an observation not only of the form but also of the content and function of such texts, I will demonstrate how a new definition and classification of writings with an isagogical function can help interpret, from the literary point of view, the degree of theoretical and practical complexity attained by the Platonic system.