Classification of the Sciences in Greco-Roman Antiquity

A review is undertaken of the contributions of 38 classical authors, from Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE to Isidore in the 6th century CE, to the classification of the sciences. Such classifications include some that are more theoretical in function, some that are more practical (e.g., encycloped...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Knowledge organization 2021, Vol.48 (7-8), p.499-534
Main Author: Furner, Jonathan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
6th century
Bibliometrics
Classification
Knowledge organization
Library materials
Ontology
Philosophy
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A review is undertaken of the contributions of 38 classical authors, from Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE to Isidore in the 6th century CE, to the classification of the sciences. Such classifications include some that are more theoretical in function, some that are more practical (e.g., encyclopedic, bibliographic, or curricular). The emergence of the quadrivium and trivium is charted; the Greek concept of “enkýklios paideía” and the Latin term “artēs liberales” are defined; and the ways in which the form, content, and function of science classifications change during this period are assessed.
ISSN:0943-7444
DOI:10.5771/0943-7444-2021-7-8-499