The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers
What is The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers about?
The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers is Diogenes Laërtius's comprehensive survey of ancient Greek philosophy, written in the third century CE. Organized into ten books, it covers the major philosophical schools and individual thinkers from Thales and the pre-Socratics through Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic schools—Stoics, Epicureans, and Skeptics. For each philosopher, Diogenes provides biographical details, summaries of doctrines, lists of works, and colorful anecdotes. While varying in reliability, the work is irreplaceable—it is often the only surviving source for entire philosophical traditions and preserves fragments of works long since lost.
Main themes in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers
Greek Philosophy Survey
Greek Philosophy Survey emerges as a defining element in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, shaping character development.
Socrates
The presence of socrates in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Plato and Aristotle
In The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, plato and aristotle provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Stoics and Epicureans
In The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, stoics and epicureans provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers is still relevant today
This is the essential reference for anyone interested in ancient philosophy. It preserves information found nowhere else and provides the framework through which we understand the history of Greek thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What philosophers are covered?
From Thales and the pre-Socratics through Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic schools including Stoics, Epicureans, and Skeptics.
Is this book reliable?
Its reliability varies, but it is often the only surviving source for many ancient philosophers and is therefore indispensable.
Where can I read it online?
You can read it free on TextStack.