Definition of the word stasis

The ancient Greek word "stasis" (στάσις) originally referred to a legal standing or position, particularly in relation to lawsuits. It signified the point in a dispute where the opposing arguments are fully presented, and the judge or jurors must now decide on the merits of the case. In its broader sense, "stasis" also has political and rhetorical applications. In the context of political theory, it can mean a stable state or equilibrium, such as that desired by many ancient Greek city-states. In rhetoric, it refers to the organized presentation of an argument, based on a clear and logical structure. The concept of "stasis" was developed by Greek scholars amidst the Alethic tradition of philosophy, and was later expanded upon by the Roman orator Cicero. Its modern usage can be found in fields as diverse as political science, literature, and cognitive science, where it remains a significant analytical category.