El comentario de texto como forma de exégesis y reconstrucción doctrinal en el platonismo y el aristotelismo imperiales

In De finibus, Cicero presents Stoicism as a philosophical system marked by internal coherence. This article explores how, in the early centuries of the Empire, Platonism and Aristotelianism developed exegetical strategies to acquire similar qualities and assert themselves in philosophical debate. It argues that textual exegesis was the primary tool used to reinforce the doctrinal unity and systematic character of both traditions. The method consisted in interpreting Plato and Aristotle from within their own works (Platonem ex Platone, Aristotelem ex Aristotele), by articulating and combining various passages. However, Platonists allowed greater autonomy to the commentator, while Aristotelians tended toward a more restrictive reading. Key examples of this practice are found in Alexander of Aphrodisias, Alcinous’ Didaskalikos, and the work of Plutarch. The contributions of Atticus and Numenius are also discussed. A distinction is drawn between textual exegesis and literary memory, setting it apart from the mere use of philosophical references. The article concludes by contrasting these traditions with Stoicism, which prioritized moral training over textual