Cratippus of Athens

Within the intricate landscape of ancient Greek philosophy, prominent figures such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates often take center stage. Yet, numerous lesser-known philosophers have made substantial contributions to the evolution of Western thought. One notable individual is Cratippus of Athens, a Peripatetic philosopher from the 4th century BCE. Although his writings have not survived, remnants of his thoughts and accounts from subsequent scholars indicate a philosopher deeply involved in metaphysics, ethics, and natural philosophy. This essay delves into Cratippus' life, his philosophical impact, and his significance for later thinkers. By analyzing ancient texts, we can reconstruct the legacy of a philosopher who connected the ideas of Aristotle with those of subsequent Hellenistic philosophy.

Little is known about the early life of Cratippus, who is thought to have been born in Athens around 370 BCE. He became a significant figure in the Peripatetic School established by Aristotle. Following Aristotle's death in 322 BCE, Theophrastus, his successor, took charge of the Lyceum, where Cratippus likely received his education. Cratippus' career took a notable turn when he relocated to Mytilene on the island of Lesbos, where he founded his own school. This move may have been prompted by political instability in Athens or a desire to disseminate Peripatetic philosophy beyond the confines of the Lyceum. A particularly fascinating element of Cratippus' life is his connection with Pompey the Great, the Roman statesman. Plutarch recounts that when Pompey visited Mytilene in 62 BCE after his military endeavors in the East, he attended Cratippus' lectures and was profoundly impressed by his intellect. This story indicates that Cratippus' influence reached beyond Greek scholarly circles into the Roman realm.

Although none of Cratippus' works have survived in their entirety, references from Cicero, Plutarch, and other ancient writers offer insights into his philosophical concepts. His focus seems to have been on three primary themes:

Ethics and the Quest for Happiness As a follower of the Peripatetic school, Cratippus adhered to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, which highlighted eudaimonia (flourishing or happiness) as the ultimate human objective. Nevertheless, Cratippus contributed his own interpretations.

Virtue and External Goods: While Aristotle posited that happiness necessitates both virtue and certain external goods (such as wealth, health, and friendship), Cratippus may have emphasized virtue even more, viewing it as sufficient for achieving happiness.

The Influence of Fortune: Cicero, in De Officiis, notes that Cratippus held the belief that a wise individual could attain happiness even amidst adversity, a notion that resonates with later Stoic philosophy.

Cratippus explored Aristotle's works on Physics and On the Heavens, focusing on the essence of the soul and the movement of celestial bodies. He is believed to have advocated for a perspective on the immortality of the rational soul that contrasts with Aristotle's less definitive view. Additionally, he might have participated in discussions regarding ether as the fifth element and the dynamics of planetary motion, although specific information is limited.

Cratippus made a significant contribution by advocating for divination, which involves obtaining knowledge of the future through supernatural methods. He argued in Cicero's De Divinatione that genuine divination can be achieved through a rational and natural process, distinguishing it from mere superstition. Cratippus also posited that a purified human soul is capable of receiving divine insights, a perspective that later shaped Neoplatonism.

Despite being less recognized than his predecessors, Cratippus significantly contributed to the dissemination of Peripatetic philosophy to future generations. His influence extended to Roman intellectuals, including Cicero, who valued his ethical and metaphysical perspectives. Additionally, certain concepts regarding the soul and divination may have impacted Plutarch and subsequent Platonists. Although his writings have not endured, his legacy as a teacher and philosopher played a vital role in the ongoing development of Peripatetic thought beyond the immediate followers of Aristotle.