Hermippus

Definition

Hermippus was an ancient Greek biographer and scholar known for his contributions to the development of biographical literature during the Hellenistic period. His work primarily focused on the lives of famous philosophers, particularly Plato, and he is noted for blending biography with philosophical analysis, which helped shape later biographical traditions in Greek literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hermippus is considered one of the earliest figures to combine biography with philosophical commentary, which influenced later biographers.
2. His writings focused on significant philosophers of his time, especially Plato, presenting their lives in a manner that highlighted their ideas and teachings.
3. Hermippus's work contributed to the emerging genre of philosophical biography in Greece, paving the way for later authors like Diogenes Laertius.
4. Although many of Hermippus's original texts are lost, references to his work can be found in the writings of later biographers and historians.
5. He is credited with establishing a more narrative style in biography, moving beyond mere chronology to include character analysis and ethical reflections.

Review Questions

• How did Hermippus's approach to biography differ from earlier historical writings?
  • Hermippus's approach to biography was unique because he blended personal narratives with philosophical analysis, focusing on the lives of philosophers rather than just chronicling events. This shift allowed him to explore not only what these thinkers did but also how their ideas shaped their lives and the world around them. His methodology set a precedent for future biographers who sought to delve deeper into the character and philosophies of their subjects.
• In what ways did Hermippus influence the works of later biographers such as Diogenes Laertius?
  • Hermippus significantly influenced later biographers like Diogenes Laertius by introducing a style that emphasized philosophical context within biographical accounts. Laertius drew upon Hermippus’s insights when compiling his own work on philosophers, illustrating how Hermippus paved the way for a more complex understanding of individual thinkers. This legacy ensured that Hermippus's emphasis on integrating life stories with philosophical discussions became a hallmark of Greek biographical tradition.
• Evaluate the impact of Hermippus on the development of philosophical biography in ancient Greece and its legacy in later literature.
  • Hermippus had a profound impact on the development of philosophical biography in ancient Greece by establishing a model that intertwined personal narratives with philosophical discourse. This innovative approach not only enriched the genre but also set a standard that influenced subsequent writers like Plutarch and Diogenes Laertius. The legacy of Hermippus can be seen in how later literature continued to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of its subjects, making biography not just a recounting of life events but a medium for philosophical exploration and reflection.

Related terms

Diogenes Laertius: A Greek biographer known for his extensive work 'Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers,' which compiled biographical accounts of numerous philosophers, drawing on earlier sources like Hermippus.

Xenophon: An ancient Greek historian and philosopher whose writings included biographical elements, particularly in works like 'Memorabilia,' where he portrays Socrates and his philosophy.

Plutarch: A Greek biographer and moralist famous for 'Parallel Lives,' a series of biographies of notable Greeks and Romans that contrasts their lives, showcasing moral lessons.