# Arcesilaus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/arcesilaus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters