Greek or barbarian? Diogenes Laertius on the contested origin of philosophy

Bibliographic Data

ID10997155
AuthorsKasra Abdavi Azar (0000-0001-5206-4733, KU Leuven , Leuven, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume68
Issue3
Pages395-407
Publication date2026-03-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0076-0730 • E-ISSN: 2041-5370
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/bics/qbae024
OpenAlexW4404794766
LanguageEN
References cited24

Though largely a silent observer throughout his Vitae philosophorum, Diogenes Laertius comes to the fore in his proem to refute the popular belief in a barbarian origin of philosophy. This study examines his defence-cum-critique in detail and offers some reflections on its sources and intended audience. It will be argued that Diogenes employs four distinct and partly incompatible arguments to counter sentiments that ultimately can be traced back to the Old Academy and early Peripatos but by Diogenes’ time had gained widespread circulation among Stoics and Platonists as well as Jews and Christians. The analysis thus reshapes our perception of Diogenes by showing that he consciously positioned himself within a controversial discourse, not only by relating the views of others but by advancing his own convictions with novel arguments

Ancient history · Barbarian · Classical Antiquity Studies · Classical Philosophy and Thought · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Philosophy

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