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A philomath (/ˈfɪləmæθ/)^[1] is a lover of learning and studying. The term is from Greek philos (φίλος; "beloved", "loving", as in philosophy or philanthropy) and manthanein, math- (μανθάνειν, μαθ-; "to learn", as in polymath). Philomathy is similar to, but distinguished from, philosophy in that -soph, the latter suffix, specifies "wisdom" or "knowledge", rather than the process of acquisition thereof. Philomath is not synonymous with polymath, as a polymath is someone who possesses great and detailed knowledge and facts from a variety of disciplines, while a philomath is someone who greatly enjoys learning and studying.

Overview

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 the modern usage; "doctrina mathematica" in the ancient usage) precepts.

In a philosophical dialogue, King James first penned the character Philomathes to debate on arguments of whether the ancient religious concepts of witchcraft should be punished in a politically fueled Christian society. The arguments King James poses through the character Epistemon are based on concepts of theological reasoning regarding society's belief, as his opponent, Philomathes, takes a philosophical stance on society's legal aspects but seeks to obtain the knowledge of Epistemon. This philosophical approach signified a philomath seeking to obtain greater knowledge through epistemology. The dialogue was used by King James to educate society on various concepts including the history and etymology of the subjects debated.^[2]

See also

• Benjamin Franklin, who used this pen name
• Philomath, Oregon
• Philomathean Literary Society (Erskine College)
• Philomathean Society, a literary society at the University of Pennsylvania
• Philomathean Society (New York University)
• Philomaths, Polish secret student organization that existed, 1817–1823, at the Imperial University of Vilnius

References

External links

• Philomath on Dictionary.com