Academy

Definition

An academy is an institution dedicated to the promotion of learning, scholarship, and the pursuit of knowledge in various fields, especially philosophy, science, and the arts. In the context of ancient philosophy, it is often associated with Plato's Academy in Athens, which served as a prototype for future educational establishments focused on philosophical inquiry and intellectual development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plato founded his Academy around 387 BCE, making it one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world.
2. The Academy was located outside the city walls of Athens and was known for its gardens, where philosophical discussions took place.
3. The curriculum at the Academy included mathematics, astronomy, dialectics, and ethics, reflecting Plato's belief in a well-rounded education.
4. The Academy continued to exist for almost a thousand years until it was closed by the Roman Emperor Justinian I in 529 CE.
5. The term 'academy' has since evolved to refer to various educational institutions around the world, often emphasizing rigorous academic standards.

Review Questions

• How did Plato's Academy influence educational practices in later philosophical schools?
  • Plato's Academy set a precedent for future educational institutions by focusing on philosophical inquiry and systematic teaching methods. It emphasized critical thinking and dialogue through methods like the Socratic Method. This approach influenced later schools, including Aristotle's Lyceum, establishing a framework for academic discourse that continues to shape modern educational practices.
• Discuss the significance of the curriculum at Plato's Academy and how it reflected his philosophical beliefs.
  • The curriculum at Plato's Academy was significant because it encompassed a range of subjects including mathematics, ethics, and dialectics. This variety reflected Plato's belief that knowledge is interconnected and essential for understanding the true nature of reality. By emphasizing subjects like mathematics, he sought to illustrate his Theory of Forms and promote rational thought as a path to knowledge.
• Evaluate the impact of closing the Academy by Justinian I on the development of philosophy and education in the ancient world.
  • The closure of Plato's Academy by Justinian I in 529 CE marked a significant turning point in the history of philosophy and education. This act not only symbolized the decline of Hellenistic thought but also led to a shift towards more religiously oriented education systems. The loss of such an influential center for critical thought hindered the development of philosophical discourse during the early medieval period, impacting how knowledge was transmitted and cultivated in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Socratic Method: A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking through asking and answering questions, used prominently by Socrates.

Plato's Theory of Forms: A philosophical concept that posits that non-material abstract forms, or ideas, represent the most accurate reality.

Lyceum: An institution founded by Aristotle in Athens that functioned as a center for philosophical discussion and research, similar to Plato's Academy.