Philo of Larissa c. 159 BC – c. 84 BC
Philo of Larissa (c. 159 BC – c. 84 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Platonism, Skepticism, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
Philo of Larissa was the last head of the skeptical Platonic Academy and the teacher of Cicero in Rome. The successor of Clitomachus, he gradually moderated the radical skepticism of the Academy of Arcesilaus and Carneades, defending in his late Roman Books the view that knowledge in the strict Stoic sense is impossible, but that the wise may nevertheless hold reasonable opinions. His mediation between Stoic and skeptical positions opened the way for the more dogmatic Platonism of his pupil Antiochus of Ascalon, and shaped Cicero's own philosophical project of transmitting Greek thought to Latin readers.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Greek
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Platonism, Skepticism, Ancient Greek Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Philo of Larissa:
“The wise have not knowledge in the Stoic sense, but they hold reasonable opinion.”
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Attributed to Philo of Larissa:
“Suspension of judgment is a discipline of the mind, not a refusal to think.”
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Attributed to Philo of Larissa:
“Plato did not teach a system; he taught a way of inquiry.”
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Attributed to Philo of Larissa:
“Between certainty and ignorance lies the broad field of the probable.”
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Attributed to Philo of Larissa:
“The Academy and the Stoa quarrel less than they imagine.”
Frequently asked about Philo of Larissa
- When did Philo of Larissa live?
- Philo of Larissa was born in c. 159 BC and died in c. 84 BC.
- Where was Philo of Larissa from?
- Philo of Larissa was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Philo of Larissa associated with?
- Philo of Larissa was associated with Platonism, Skepticism, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
- What was Philo of Larissa known for?
- Philo of Larissa was the last head of the skeptical Platonic Academy and the teacher of Cicero in Rome.
- How many quotes are attributed to Philo of Larissa?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Philo of Larissa in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.