From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordHairesis is choosing or a chosen position and can name a school or philosophical approach.
- In StobaeusThe soul survey distinguishes reported Aristotelian explanations from a position that could plausibly be proposed but has not been handed down.
- In this edition“Position” is accurate here; “school” would overstate its historical attestation.
- A place to beginA possible but untransmitted position is distinguished from reported doctrines.
- English renderings
- position; school; choosing
Meaning
Hairesis is choosing or a chosen position and can name a school or philosophical approach. It does not invariably mean a historically organized sect.
Use in the book
The soul survey distinguishes reported Aristotelian explanations from a position that could plausibly be proposed but has not been handed down. Calling that alternative a hairesis does not make it an attested school. Its hypothetical status is expressly stated.
Places to read
- I.49.32.4A possible but untransmitted position is distinguished from reported doctrines.
Translation in this edition
“Position” is accurate here; “school” would overstate its historical attestation.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 363. The final account of qualities and their totality is textually compressed; its status as a possible proposal is nevertheless explicit.