The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Arcesilaus explained
This chapter details the life and philosophy of Arcesilaus, the founder of the Middle Academy, who pioneered suspension of judgment and arguing both sides of a question.
What happens
This chapter details the life and philosophy of Arcesilaus, the founder of the Middle Academy, who pioneered suspension of judgment and arguing both sides of a question. It covers his education under various teachers, his succession to the head of the Academy after Crates, his character, witty sayings, and his death from excessive drinking at age 75.
Themes in this chapter
The Philosopher's Life and Character
The chapter extensively describes Arcesilaus' personality, habits, generosity, and wit, illustrating the ideal of a philosopher's conduct.
Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools
Arcesilaus is presented as the founder of the Middle Academy, succeeding Crates and continuing the Platonic tradition.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Arcesilaus' method of arguing both sides and suspending judgment blurs the line between genuine philosophical inquiry and sophistical debate.
Characters to notice
- Arcesilaus
Founder of the Middle Academy, first to suspend judgment and argue both sides of a question.
- Crantor
Arcesilaus' teacher and close friend in the Academy.
- Theophrastus
Arcesilaus attended his lectures before joining the Academy.
- Crates of Thebes
Arcesilaus succeeded him as head of the Academy.
- Pyrrho
Arcesilaus had a high opinion of him, and his philosophy influenced Arcesilaus' suspension of judgment.
- Timon of Phlius
Quoted for his satirical verses about Arcesilaus.
Key passages
“O virgin, if I save you, will you thank me?”
Crantor asked Arcesilaus if he would be grateful for being taken under his wing.
This exchange from Euripides' Andromeda sealed their friendship.
“People sometimes make eunuchs of men, but no one can ever make a man out of an eunuch.”
Arcesilaus explained that while other schools can lose students to Epicureanism, the reverse never happens.
A witty remark about the appeal of Epicurean philosophy.