Academy

Definition

The Academy, founded by Plato around 387 BCE, was an ancient school of philosophy in Athens that served as a significant institution for intellectual development and discourse. It is often considered one of the earliest organized centers of higher learning in the Western world, emphasizing mathematics, science, and philosophy, and has had a lasting influence on educational practices and philosophical thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Academy was located outside the city walls of Athens in a grove dedicated to the hero Academus, which is how it got its name.
2. Plato's Academy attracted many notable philosophers and scholars, including Aristotle, who studied there for nearly 20 years.
3. The curriculum at the Academy included a wide range of subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, and dialectics, reflecting Plato's belief in the importance of knowledge and reasoning.
4. After Plato's death, the Academy continued to operate for several centuries, influencing later philosophical schools and institutions until it was ultimately closed by the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century CE.
5. The concept of an 'academy' has persisted through history, inspiring various educational institutions around the world to this day.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Academy impact the development of philosophical thought in ancient Greece?
  • The establishment of the Academy marked a pivotal moment in the development of philosophical thought in ancient Greece by providing a structured environment for intellectual discourse and exploration. As one of the first institutions dedicated to higher learning, it fostered critical inquiry and debate among its students and contributed to the evolution of ideas on ethics, politics, and metaphysics. This environment allowed thinkers like Plato to challenge existing norms and encourage a more systematic approach to philosophy.
• Compare and contrast the educational approaches of the Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum.
  • While both the Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum were significant centers of learning in ancient Greece, their educational approaches differed notably. The Academy focused heavily on abstract philosophical concepts and dialectical reasoning, guided by Plato’s teachings. In contrast, the Lyceum placed greater emphasis on empirical observation and practical sciences. This distinction highlights two influential methods in philosophical education: one that values theoretical understanding and another that prioritizes empirical inquiry.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Academy in shaping modern educational institutions and philosophies.
  • The long-term significance of the Academy lies in its foundational role in shaping modern educational institutions and philosophies. By establishing a model for structured learning centered around dialogue and critical thinking, it set a precedent for universities and academic programs today. The principles developed at the Academy—such as fostering inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary studies—continue to inform contemporary approaches to education, reflecting Plato's enduring influence on how knowledge is pursued and valued in our society.

Related terms

Plato:

An ancient Greek philosopher who founded the Academy and is best known for his works on ethics, politics, and metaphysics.

Socratic Method:

A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking, developed by Socrates and utilized by Plato in teaching at the Academy.

Lyceum:

The school founded by Aristotle, a student of Plato, which focused on empirical research and practical sciences, contrasting with the Academy's emphasis on abstract philosophical inquiry.