ABSTRACT
The contributions of Theophrastus to ancient philosophy and his significance as member, and later director, of Aristotle’s philosophical school are not widely known. This chapter provides an outline of Theophrastus’ life, a discussion of aspects of his academic partnership with Aristotle and an analysis of his individual achievements. This is followed by a discussion of Theophrastus’ works and a brief discussion of Theophrastus’ methodology. An analysis of Theophrastus’ own character as a philosopher, scientist and non-Athenian forms an important backdrop to our study of the Characters.
