Abstract
The paper deals with two speeches of Maximus of Tyre, dedicated to active and contemplative life (XV–XVI). Parallels with other authors (Apuleius, Alcinoos) show that this theme became popular in the Platonic tradition. Maximus takes up well-developed material but uses a new form for its presentation – double speeches (disputatio in utramque partem). This article gives a brief overview of the problem of the active and contemplative life in order to outline the context relevant for Maximus' philosophical speeches. Although there are no original ideas in the orations, it seems interesting to examine the use of Platonic material and the choice of dialogues, which were used to argue the thesis and the antithesis. The analysis of the speeches shows the ways in which Maximus uses the dialogues the Gorgias and the Republic, i.e. borrowing some images and thematic passages. Plato's Apology of Socrates occupies a special position in the composition of the XVI speech. Using Plato's work as a model, Maximus writes a speech that Anaxagoras could have held in front of the citizens of Clazomenoi, defending his way of life.
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