Dialogs

Dialogs are named, structured modes of exchange in the mathic world (scholarly monastic tradition). The labels help participants set expectations about purpose, roles, and tone.

Context and attestations

Reference works about Orithena describe the ancient geometer Metekoranes as “usually silent in Dialogs,” indicating recognized occasions of formal discourse in that tradition.

Description and types

Several named modes are attested: - Suvinian Dialog: a teaching exchange in which a mentor instructs a fid (student). - Peregrin dialog: a cooperative exchange between equals, often invoked alongside Peregrin (sanctioned travel outside) in usage; see Peregrin. - Periklynian dialog: an adversarial, combative style of argument.

These labels function as conversational taxonomy used by avout (monastic scholars) to characterize how an exchange is meant to proceed—didactic, collaborative, or competitive.

Usage and notes

• Being described as “silent in Dialogs” suggests reticence during such formal exchanges rather than lack of mathematical ability.
• Terminology and emphasis can vary by math (scholastic house), and speakers may apply more than one label to a single conversation as its tone shifts.