Peripatetic: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
The term “peripatetic” traces its origins to the Greek word “peripatētikos,” which means “given to walking about” or “itinerant.” It is derived from the name of Aristotle’s school, the Peripatos, where he taught philosophy while walking around. In contemporary usage, “peripatetic” refers to someone who travels from place to place, often for work or leisure, or to something that is characterized by constant movement or change. Here’s a breakdown of its meanings and concept:
Meanings and Concept:
- Traveling or Itinerant: Describes someone who moves frequently from one place to another, often for work, such as a peripatetic teacher or a peripatetic musician.
- Mobile or Nomadic: Indicates something that is characterized by constant movement or shifting, such as a peripatetic lifestyle or a peripatetic existence.
- Philosophical Tradition: Refers to the philosophical school of thought associated with Aristotle, emphasizing the importance of active, engaged inquiry and learning while walking or in motion.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Implies the ability to adapt to new environments and situations easily, reflecting a flexible and open-minded approach to life and work.
- Exploration and Discovery: Suggests a sense of curiosity and exploration, as peripatetic individuals often encounter new experiences and perspectives during their travels.
Peripatetic: Definition of a Theoretical Term
The theoretical term “peripatetic” refers to someone or something characterized by constant movement or travel from place to place. It can describe individuals who frequently relocate or engage in itinerant work, such as peripatetic teachers or consultants. The concept also embodies a philosophical tradition stemming from Aristotle’s practice of teaching while walking, emphasizing active inquiry and exploration.
Peripatetic: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
Peripatetic Philosophers
- Aristotle: Founder of the Peripatetic school, Aristotle’s contributions span various fields, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and natural sciences.
- Theophrastus: A student of Aristotle, Theophrastus succeeded him as the head of the Lyceum. His works focused on botany, ethics, and metaphysics.
- Strato of Lampsacus: Strato, a philosopher of the third century BCE, expanded on Aristotle’s ideas, particularly in physics and natural philosophy.
Works and Arguments
Aristotle
- Metaphysics: Explores the nature of existence, causality, and the ultimate principles of reality.
- Nicomachean Ethics: Examines virtue, happiness, and the good life within the context of moral philosophy.
- Politics: Discusses the organization and governance of human societies, advocating for a balanced form of government.
- Teleological Argument: Posits that the universe exhibits purposeful order, suggesting the existence of a divine intelligence.
- Four Causes: Provides a framework for understanding the principles behind the existence and behavior of things.
- Doctrine of the Mean: Advocates for moderation in ethical behavior, emphasizing a balance between extremes.
Peripatetic: Major Characteristics
- Emphasis on Observation and Empirical Inquiry: Peripatetic philosophers, following Aristotle’s lead, prioritize observation and empirical investigation as fundamental to understanding the natural world. They believe in gathering data through sensory experience to inform philosophical inquiries.
- Systematic Approach to Knowledge: Peripatetic thinkers adopt a systematic approach to knowledge, organizing their inquiries into distinct fields such as metaphysics, ethics, politics, and natural sciences. This systematic framework allows for comprehensive exploration and analysis of various philosophical topics.
- Integration of Theory and Practice: Peripatetic philosophy emphasizes the integration of theoretical insights with practical applications. They believe that philosophical understanding should inform and guide human action, leading to the pursuit of the good life individually and collectively.
- Teleological Outlook: Peripatetic thinkers often adopt a teleological outlook, seeing purpose and design in the natural world. They argue that phenomena can be understood in terms of their final causes or ultimate ends, suggesting a structured and ordered universe.
- Continuation of Aristotelian Tradition: Peripatetic philosophy maintains a strong connection to the Aristotelian tradition, building upon Aristotle’s works and ideas. While offering innovations and developments, Peripatetic thinkers remain rooted in Aristotle’s methodology and philosophical framework.
- Focus on Virtue Ethics: Peripatetic philosophy places a significant emphasis on virtue ethics, viewing moral excellence and character development as central to the good life. They advocate for the cultivation of virtuous habits and the pursuit of eudaimonia, or flourishing, through ethical conduct.
- Commitment to Rational Inquiry: Peripatetic philosophers are committed to rational inquiry and logical analysis as essential tools for philosophical investigation. They believe in the power of reason to uncover truths about the natural world and human existence, rejecting dogma and superstition in favor of critical thinking.
Peripatetic: Relevance in Literary Theories
| Literary Theory | Relevance of Peripatetic Philosophy |
| Formalism | Peripatetic philosophy’s emphasis on systematic analysis and empirical observation aligns with formalist approaches, which focus on the internal structures and devices within literary texts. |
| New Criticism | Peripatetic thinkers’ commitment to rational inquiry and close textual analysis resonates with New Criticism, which emphasizes the close reading of literary texts to uncover meaning and themes. |
| Structuralism | Peripatetic philosophy’s systematic approach to knowledge complements structuralist theories, which seek to identify underlying structures and patterns in literature and language. |
| Reader-Response | Peripatetic philosophy’s integration of theory and practice correlates with reader-response theories, which emphasize the active role of the reader in interpreting and creating meaning in texts. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Peripatetic philosophy’s focus on virtue ethics and the pursuit of the good life intersects with postcolonial theories, which often explore issues of ethics, power dynamics, and identity in literature. |
| Feminist Theory | Peripatetic philosophy’s commitment to rational inquiry and ethical conduct can inform feminist literary theories, particularly in discussions of gender, agency, and representation in literature. |
| Postmodernism | Peripatetic philosophy’s continuation of the Aristotelian tradition may provide a contrast to postmodernist approaches, which often challenge traditional philosophical frameworks and meta-narratives. |
Peripatetic: Application in Critiques
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
- Emphasis on Virtue Ethics: Peripatetic philosophy can be applied to analyze the moral choices and character development of the protagonists, Desiree and Stella. Evaluating their actions through the lens of virtue ethics can provide insights into their pursuit of eudaimonia and the consequences of their decisions on their sense of morality and fulfillment.
- Integration of Theory and Practice: Peripatetic principles can be used to assess how the novel explores themes of identity, race, and societal expectations. The characters’ navigation of these issues can be examined in light of Peripatetic ideas about the integration of theoretical insights with practical applications in shaping individual lives.
- “The Night Circus” by Erin MorgensternSystematic Approach to Knowledge: Peripatetic philosophy can inform a critique of the magical world depicted in “The Night Circus” by analyzing the systematic organization and rules governing the circus. Evaluating the magical feats and illusions through the lens of empirical inquiry can provide insights into the underlying principles and mechanics of the circus.
- “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia OwensCommitment to Rational Inquiry: Peripatetic philosophy can be applied to analyze the legal and moral complexities surrounding the central mystery in “Where the Crawdads Sing.” By evaluating the characters’ actions and motivations through the lens of rational inquiry, one can uncover underlying themes of justice, prejudice, and the pursuit of truth.
- “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline MillerIntegration of Theory and Practice: Peripatetic philosophy can be applied to analyze the intertwining of mythology, history, and personal relationships in “The Song of Achilles.” By examining the characters’ roles and actions in the context of theory and practice, one can explore themes of fate, honor, and the human condition.
- Teleological Outlook: Applying Peripatetic principles, one can explore the teleological implications of the competition between Celia and Marco. The novel’s portrayal of their intertwined destinies and the ultimate purpose of their magical duel can be examined in light of Peripatetic ideas about the inherent purposefulness of human endeavors.
- Focus on Virtue Ethics: Peripatetic principles can inform a critique of Kya’s journey and ethical choices as she navigates isolation and survival in the marsh. Her decisions and moral development can be evaluated in light of Aristotle’s virtue ethics, providing insights into her pursuit of moral excellence and personal fulfillment.
- Relevance of Peripatetic Principles: Miller’s portrayal of the Trojan War and the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus can be evaluated through Peripatetic principles such as the teleological outlook and the emphasis on virtue ethics. The characters’ quests for glory and love can be examined in light of Aristotle’s ideas about the ultimate purpose of human life and the pursuit of moral excellence.
Peripatetic: Relevant Terms
| Theoretical Term | Description |
| Aristotelianism | Philosophy based on the teachings of Aristotle, emphasizing empirical observation and logical analysis. |
| Scholasticism | Medieval philosophical tradition influenced by Aristotle’s works, focusing on rational inquiry and synthesis of faith and reason. |
| Thomism | School of thought based on the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, incorporating Aristotelian principles into Christian theology. |
| Empiricism | Philosophical approach emphasizing the importance of sensory experience and observation in the acquisition of knowledge. |
| Rationalism | Philosophical approach asserting that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge and truth. |
| Stoicism | Ancient philosophical school emphasizing virtue ethics, rationality, and acceptance of fate as fundamental to living a good life. |
| Epicureanism | Philosophical tradition advocating for pleasure as the highest good and the avoidance of pain through rational moderation. |
| Perennialism | Philosophical perspective asserting the existence of universal truths and principles across different cultures and time periods. |
| Humanism | Philosophical and cultural movement emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, often grounded in classical learning. |
| Naturalism | Philosophical perspective asserting that natural phenomena can be explained solely through empirical observation and scientific inquiry. |
Peripatetic: Suggested Readings
- Aristotle. Metaphysics. Translated by W. D. Ross, edited by Richard Hope, Oxford University Press, 1924.
- Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Terence Irwin, Hackett Publishing Company, 1999.
- Aristotle. Politics. Translated by Carnes Lord, University of Chicago Press, 2013.
- Burnyeat, Myles, editor. The Cambridge History of Hellenistic Philosophy. Cambridge University Press, 1999.
- Gottlieb, Paula. The Virtue of Aristotle’s Ethics. Cambridge University Press, 2009.
- Irwin, Terence. Aristotle’s First Principles. Clarendon Press, 1990.
- Sorabji, Richard. Aristotle on Memory. University of Chicago Press, 2006.
- Sorabji, Richard. Aristotle on Philosophy of Mind. Duckworth, 1990.
- Tredennick, Hugh, translator. Aristotle: The Physics. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1930.
- Urmson, J. O., translator. Aristotle: The Nicomachean Ethics. Revised edition, Oxford University Press, 1999.
