Can one Write a Scholarly Paper in a Form of Poem? Genre Changes in Academic Writing over History

Abstract

The article shows the development of three literary genres that were used in ancient times to express scientific and philosophical reflection. These include philosophical treatise, dialogue and didactic poem. During the development of scientific reflection, the first genre dominated the other and become the determinant of modern scientific discourse. In this article I try to answer the question how it happened and what are the consequences on the formation of modern scientific genres.