Paradeigma (Greek:παράδειγμα;plural:paradeigmata) is a technique used in Ancient Greek rhetoric used to compare the situation of the audience to a similar past event, like aparable (Greek:παραβολή). It offers counsel on how the audience should act.[1] Aristotle was a prominent ancientrhetorician who explicitly discussed the use ofparadeigmata.
In the Greek tradition manyparadeigmata are mythological examples, often in reference to a popular legend or well-known character in a similar position to the audience.[2] Homer'sThe Iliad (24.601–619) – Achilles is trying to encouragePriam to eat rather than continue to weep for his dead sonHector. He brings up Niobe, a woman that had lost twelve children but still found the strength to eat.[2] He is trying to counsel Priam to do what he should by using Niobe as aparadeigma, an example to guide behaviour.
It is also the etymological root of the English word "paradigm".
