ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤΟΣ
Peripatos, a word that evolved from the simple act of walking into the emblem of an entire philosophical school. Its connection to Aristotle and his teaching at the Lyceum, where students learned 'while walking' (en peripatō), makes it a central term in the history of philosophy. Its lexarithmos (846) suggests a journey towards completion and order.
Definition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, peripatos (ὁ) primarily means 'a walking about, a walk, promenade'. The word describes the act of walking, the movement from one point to another on foot, often with the connotation of leisure or exercise.
Beyond its literal meaning, peripatos acquired particular significance as 'a place for walking', that is, a structured area, usually with colonnades or trees, suitable for strolls. Such peripatoi were common in public spaces, gymnasia, and private gardens, offering a pleasant environment for social interaction or intellectual discussions.
The most famous use of the term is inextricably linked to Aristotle and his philosophical school. The 'Peripatos' refers to the covered walkway of the Lyceum in Athens, where the philosopher taught his students while walking. From this practice arose the name 'Peripatetic School' and its adherents as 'Peripatetics', signifying a method of teaching and a philosophical tradition that emphasized observation, logic, and the practical application of knowledge.
Etymology
Related words include the verb peripateō ('to walk around, to stroll'), the noun patos ('path, road'), patēma ('a treading, a footprint'), and patētos ('trodden, passable'). All these words share the common meaning of movement on foot and the creation of a path or course.
Main Meanings
- A walking about, a stroll — The literal act of walking, often for leisure or exercise. E.g., 'exestin hēmin peripaton poieisthai' (it is permitted for us to take a walk).
- A place for walking, a promenade, a colonnade — A structured area, usually covered or shaded by trees, suitable for walks and discussions. E.g., 'en tō Lykeiō peripatos' (the peripatos in the Lyceum).
- Philosophical discussion while walking — The teaching method of Aristotle and his students, who discussed philosophical topics while walking.
- The Peripatetic School — The name of the philosophical school founded by Aristotle, as well as its philosophy and adherents.
- Way of life, conduct — A metaphorical use implying one's course or manner of living. E.g., 'ho peripatos tou biou' (the walk of life).
- Course, journey — A more general sense of the path or journey taken, whether physical or metaphorical.
Philosophical Journey
From a common everyday word, peripatos acquired profound philosophical significance, linking the movement of the body with the movement of the mind.
In Ancient Texts
Three characteristic passages that highlight the evolution of the meaning of 'peripatos':
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤΟΣ is 846, from the sum of its letter values:
846 decomposes into 800 (hundreds) + 40 (tens) + 6 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤΟΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 846 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 9 | 8+4+6=18 → 1+8=9 — Ennead, the number of completion and perfection, symbolizing the complete philosophical journey. |
| Letter Count | 9 | 9 letters — Ennead, the number of divine order and spiritual completion, reflecting the pursuit of wisdom. |
| Cumulative | 6/40/800 | Units 6 · Tens 40 · Hundreds 800 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | P-E-R-I-P-A-T-O-S | Peripatetic Eloquence, Reason's Illumination, Philosophical Ascent Through Ordered Study — an interpretation connecting the peripatos with intellectual pursuit and cosmic order. |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 5C · 0D | 4 vowels, 5 consonants, 0 diphthongs — a balanced structure reflecting the logic and methodical nature of Peripatetic thought. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Saturn ♄ / Libra ♎ | 846 mod 7 = 6 · 846 mod 12 = 6 |
Isopsephic Words (846)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (846) that further illuminate the concept of 'peripatos':
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 62 words with lexarithmos 846. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Diogenes Laërtius — Lives of Eminent Philosophers. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press.
- Plutarch — Parallel Lives. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press.
- Strabo — Geography. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press.
- Barnes, J. — Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Fortenbaugh, W. W., White, S. A. — Lyceum and Peripatos: The Language of Aristotle and His School. Transaction Publishers, 2004.