Theophrastus
Theophrastus (Greek: Θεόφραστος; c. 371 – c. 287 BC), a Greek native of Eresos in Lesbos, was the successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic school.
Theophrastus | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Theophrastus | |
| Born | c. 371 BC |
| Died | c. 287 BC |
| Era | Ancient philosophy |
| Region | Western Philosophy |
| School | Peripatetic school |
Main interests | Botany, ethics, grammar, history, logic, metaphysics, natural history, physics |
He came to Athens at a young age and studied in Plato's school. After Plato's death, he attached himself to Aristotle. Aristotle bequeathed to Theophrastus his writings and designated him as his successor at the Lyceum.
Theophrastus led the Peripatetic school for thirty-six years, during which time the school flourished greatly. He is often considered the "father of botany" for his works on plants. After his death, the Athenians honoured him with a public funeral. His successor as head of the school was Strato of Lampsacus.
