# Xenocrates > 4th-century BC Greek philosopher, mathematician and scholarch **Wikidata**: [Q214121](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214121) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenocrates) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xenocrates ## Summary Xenocrates was a 4th-century BC Greek philosopher, mathematician, and scholarch who led the Platonic Academy during a pivotal era in ancient philosophy. He is known for systematizing Platonic thought and contributing to early metaphysical and ethical theories. ## Biography - Born: Circa 396 BC, in Chalcedon (modern-day Turkey) - Nationality: Ancient Greek (citizen of Classical Athens) - Education: Studied under Plato at the Academy - Known for: Leadership of the Platonic Academy and contributions to Platonism - Employer(s): Scholarch of the Platonic Academy - Field(s): Philosophy, Mathematics ## Contributions Xenocrates served as the scholarch (head) of the Platonic Academy from approximately 339 BC until his death in 314 BC. He is credited with systematizing and defending Platonic doctrines, particularly through his metaphysical writings and ethical theories. His work helped preserve and transmit Platonic philosophy to later generations, influencing both the Old and Middle Academy. He also contributed to early mathematical and metaphysical discussions, including the concept of the "indivisible line" and theories on the nature of the soul. ## FAQs ### What role did Xenocrates play in the Platonic Academy? Xenocrates became the scholarch (head) of the Platonic Academy in 339 BC, succeeding Speusippus. He led the Academy for 25 years, during which he worked to systematize and defend Platonic philosophy, particularly through metaphysical and ethical writings. ### What are Xenocrates's key philosophical contributions? Xenocrates is known for his metaphysical theories, including the concept of the "indivisible line," and his ethical views on virtue and the soul. He also contributed to early mathematical philosophy and was a key figure in the development of Platonism. ### Where was Xenocrates from? Xenocrates was born in Chalcedon, a city in ancient Greece (modern-day Turkey), and was a citizen of Classical Athens. ### What did Xenocrates write? Xenocrates authored numerous works, though most are lost. Ancient sources reference treatises on ethics, mathematics, and metaphysics, including works on the nature of the soul and the indivisible line. His writings were influential in shaping the direction of the Academy. ### How did Xenocrates influence later philosophy? Xenocrates influenced later philosophy by preserving and systematizing Platonic thought, which in turn shaped the development of both the Old and Middle Academy. His ideas also impacted later thinkers like Aristotle and the Stoics. ## Why They Matter Xenocrates played a crucial role in the continuity of Platonic philosophy. As scholarch of the Academy, he ensured the survival and evolution of Plato's ideas during a critical period. His metaphysical and ethical contributions, particularly his theories on the soul and the indivisible line, influenced later philosophical traditions, including Neoplatonism. Without his leadership and writings, the transmission of Platonic thought might have been significantly altered. ## Notable For - Serving as the third scholarch of the Platonic Academy - Systematizing and defending Platonic philosophy - Developing the concept of the "indivisible line" in metaphysics - Influencing later philosophical schools, including Stoicism and Neoplatonism - Being a key figure in the transition from the Old to the Middle Academy - Writing influential treatises on ethics and the nature of the soul ## Body ### Early Life and Education Xenocrates was born around 396 BC in Chalcedon, a city in ancient Greece. He became a student of Plato and joined the Academy, where he studied alongside notable figures like Aristotle. His early education was deeply rooted in Platonic philosophy, which would define his later contributions. ### Career Xenocrates succeeded Speusippus as the third scholarch of the Platonic Academy in 339 BC. He held this position until his death in 314 BC, making him one of the longest-serving leaders of the Academy. During his tenure, he focused on systematizing Platonic doctrines and defending them against contemporary philosophical challenges. ### Contributions to Philosophy Xenocrates made significant contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of mathematics. His concept of the "indivisible line" was a notable metaphysical theory, suggesting that lines could be composed of indivisible units, a precursor to later discussions on atomic theory. He also explored the nature of the soul, arguing for its immortality and its role in ethical behavior. ### Writings and Publications Although most of Xenocrates' works are lost, ancient sources reference several treatises: - **On the Soul**: Explored the nature and immortality of the soul. - **On the Indivisible Line**: A metaphysical work that influenced later mathematical and philosophical thought. - **Ethical treatises**: Focused on virtue and the good life, aligning with Platonic ethics. ### Influence and Legacy Xenocrates' influence extended beyond his lifetime. His work helped shape the direction of the Academy and influenced later philosophical schools, including Stoicism and Neoplatonism. His ideas on the soul and metaphysics were particularly impactful, with later thinkers like Plotinus drawing on his theories. ### Leadership and Institutional Impact As scholarch, Xenocrates maintained the Academy's focus on Platonic philosophy while adapting to new intellectual challenges. His leadership ensured the Academy's survival during a period of political and philosophical upheaval, bridging the gap between Plato's generation and later philosophical movements. ### Death and Historical Context Xenocrates died in 314 BC, leaving behind a legacy of philosophical rigor and institutional stability. His work laid the groundwork for later developments in Platonism and influenced the broader Hellenistic philosophical tradition. ## References 1. Library of the World's Best Literature 2. International Standard Name Identifier 3. BnF authorities 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers 7. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index17.html) 8. CERL Thesaurus 9. archINFORM 10. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php) 11. LIBRIS. 2011