Who are the Peripatetics and why are they considered historians

The Peripatetics, also known as the Peripatetic School, were a group of philosophers in ancient Greece who followed the teachings of Aristotle. Founded by Aristotle himself, the name “Peripatetics” comes from the Greek word “peripatein,” which means to walk around or stroll. It referred to the habit of Aristotle and his students who would engage in philosophical discussions while walking around the Lyceum, a public park in Athens where they held their lectures.

While the primary focus of the Peripatetics was on philosophy, they made significant contributions to various fields, including history. They are considered historians due to their interest in studying and documenting past events, as well as their meticulous approach to empirical research. However, it is important to note that the Peripatetics were primarily philosophers and not professional historians in the modern sense.

Aristotle, the founding figure of the Peripatetic School, had a deep fascination with the natural world and human society. He believed that in order to understand the present, one must have a solid understanding of the past. Aristotle emphasized the importance of empirical observation and data collection in order to analyze historical events accurately. He insisted on the need for firsthand sources and eyewitness accounts, making him an early proponent of historical research methodologies.

Aristotle’s work “The Athenian Constitution” is a prime example of his historiographical efforts. It is a detailed analysis of the political structure and evolution of Athens, utilizing a variety of sources, including legal documents, inscriptions, and firsthand interviews. While not entirely comprehensive or unbiased, Aristotle’s work represents an early attempt at historical documentation and analysis.

Aristotle’s successors within the Peripatetic School further expanded on his historical methodologies. Theophrastus, one of Aristotle’s most notable students, wrote numerous works on natural history and botany. His research involved detailed observations, classifications, and comparisons, making him a pioneer in empirical and systematic approaches to the study of nature.

Another influential Peripatetic, Strabo, combined geography and history in his monumental work “Geographica.” This extensive treatise covered various regions of the known world, providing detailed accounts of their geography, cultures, and historical developments. Strabo made use of both textual sources and personal observations obtained during his travels, marking a significant step forward in ancient geographical and historical research.

Furthermore, the Peripatetics contributed to the preservation and transmission of historical records. They collected and organized vast amounts of information, creating extensive libraries and archives. The library of the Lyceum, for instance, housed numerous manuscripts and scrolls containing works on a wide range of topics, including history.

The Peripatetics’ approach to history was distinguished by its philosophical underpinnings. They sought to understand historical events not only in their factual aspects but also in relation to broader philosophical concepts. The Peripatetics explored causation, the role of human agency, and the interplay between historical events and society. They believed that historical study could provide insights into the nature of human existence and the principles that govern human affairs.

While the Peripatetics’ contributions to history are commendable, it is essential to recognize that their methodologies and theories were influenced by the philosophical framework they operated within. They were historians in the broader sense of the term, but their primary focus was on the philosophical implications of historical research.

In conclusion, the Peripatetics, followers of Aristotle’s teachings, made valuable contributions to various areas of knowledge, including history. Their emphasis on empirical observation, attention to firsthand sources, and systematic approach to research laid the foundation for later historical methodologies. While they may not have been professional historians per se, the Peripatetics’ interest in the study of the past and their philosophical inquiries into historical events deserve recognition in the realm of history.