Philomath
Encyclopedia
A philomath is a lover of learning. It is similar to but distinguished from philosophy in that "soph," the latter suffix, specifies "wisdom" or "knowledge."
"Philomath" is not synonymous with "polymath
." A philomath is a seeker of knowledge and facts, while a polymath is a possessor of knowledge in multiple fields.
The shift in meaning for "mathema" is likely a result of the rapid categorization during the time of Plato and Aristotle of their "mathemata" in terms of education
: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music (the Quadrivium
), which the Greeks found to create a "natural grouping" of mathematical (in our modern usage; "doctrina mathematica" for theirs) precepts.
Additional terms: philomathy, the practice of a love of learning or letters.
"Philomath" is not synonymous with "polymath
Polymath
A polymath is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. In less formal terms, a polymath may simply be someone who is very knowledgeable...
." A philomath is a seeker of knowledge and facts, while a polymath is a possessor of knowledge in multiple fields.
The shift in meaning for "mathema" is likely a result of the rapid categorization during the time of Plato and Aristotle of their "mathemata" in terms of education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music (the Quadrivium
Quadrivium
The quadrivium comprised the four subjects, or arts, taught in medieval universities, after teaching the trivium. The word is Latin, meaning "the four ways" , and its use for the 4 subjects has been attributed to Boethius or Cassiodorus in the 6th century...
), which the Greeks found to create a "natural grouping" of mathematical (in our modern usage; "doctrina mathematica" for theirs) precepts.
Additional terms: philomathy, the practice of a love of learning or letters.
See also
- Philomath, GeorgiaPhilomath, GeorgiaPhilomath, Georgia is a small community located in the southeastern corner of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA at an elevation of 646 feet .- History :...
- Philomath, OregonPhilomath, OregonPhilomath is a city in Benton County, Oregon, United States. It was named for Philomath College. The population was 3,838 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Corvallis, Oregon Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
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