Les preuves vivantes dans El conde Lucanor de don Juan Manuel ou les subtilités de l’art de tromper

Abstract

This work reviews the notions of “proof” and “test” in Juan Manuel’s Conde Lucanor. First of all, it focuses on the relationship between proof / test and the search for truth. This is reflected in the demonstrative approach of the “rational proofs” which are found mainly in Part V of the book and refer to certain argumentative practices of the Libro de los estados. But it is also present within the exempla, many of which highlight the search for truth through evidence and trials. In a second step, this work focuses on the link between evidence and the art of deceit since evidence or even probation can be used not to shine the truth but to deceive others. Finally, the analysis of example 1 highlights the very manueline “relativity” of the evidence since the evidence can be used to mislead to find, paradoxically, the truth.

Keywords

• argumentation
• proof
• exemplum
• deception
• conde Lucanor
• Juan Manuel