The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Euclides explained
This chapter introduces Euclides of Megara, founder of the Megaric school, and traces his philosophical lineage and successors, including Eubulides, Alexinus, Euphantus, Diodorus Cronus, and Stilpo.
What happens
This chapter introduces Euclides of Megara, founder of the Megaric school, and traces his philosophical lineage and successors, including Eubulides, Alexinus, Euphantus, Diodorus Cronus, and Stilpo. It covers Euclides' teachings on the chief good as unity, his dialectical methods, and the contentious reputation of his school. The narrative also includes anecdotes about later philosophers, their rivalries, and their fates.
Themes in this chapter
Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools
The chapter details the founding of the Megaric school by Euclides and its succession through Eubulides, Alexinus, Euphantus, Diodorus Cronus, and Stilpo.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
The Megaric school's reputation for contentious argumentation and dialectical tricks (e.g., the Lying one, the Horned one) highlights the tension between genuine wisdom and sophistry.
Characters to notice
- Euclides of Megara
Founder of the Megaric school; studied Parmenides; taught that the chief good is unity; hosted Plato and other philosophers after Socrates' death.
- Socrates
His death prompted Plato and others to seek refuge with Euclides.
- Plato
Came to Euclides after Socrates' death, fearing the tyrants.
- Stilpo
A Megarian philosopher; posed dialectical questions to Diodorus Cronus at Ptolemy's court.
- Dionysius of Heraclea
Referenced as Dionysius the Carthaginian who first called the Megarians 'Dialecticians'.
- Timon of Phlius
Quoted for his satirical verses against Euclides and other Socratic philosophers.
Key passages
“He used to teach that the chief good is unity, but that it is known by several names; for at one time people call it prudence, at another time God, at another time intellect, and so on.”
Euclides taught that the highest good is unity, which can be referred to by different names such as prudence, God, or intellect.
Summarizes Euclides' core metaphysical doctrine.
“But I do care for none of all these triflers, Nor for anyone else; not for your Phaedon, Whoever he may be; not for the quarrelsome Euclides, who bit all the Megareans With love of fierce contention.”
Timon dismisses Euclides and other Socratic philosophers as quarrelsome and trivial.
Timon's satirical view of the Megaric school's contentious nature.