The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Character

Demetrius of Phalerum

An Athenian orator and statesman who governed the city under Macedonian patronage and later helped build the library at Alexandria.

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Also known as Demetrius Phalereus, Phalereus

First appearance: Demetrius

As a supporting figure in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Demetrius of Phalerum is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Purchased Xenocrates when he was sold for inability to pay the metic tax, freeing him.

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Demetrius of Phalerum was a student of Theophrastus who became the effective ruler of Athens under Cassander, and later a librarian and advisor in Ptolemaic Alexandria. He appears throughout the Lives as a source and a witness, cited for his treatises on old age, on Socrates, and on people of the same name, which makes him both a character and a channel for the book's own gossip. His double life as politician and scholar embodies the era's uneasy marriage of philosophy and power, and his reports on figures like Xenophanes and Heraclides give the narrative much of its texture.

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Major Philosophers and Biographers
Socratic Circle and Historian

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Closing

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Demetrius of Phalerum appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Xenocrates
Purchased Xenocrates when he was sold for inability to pay the metic tax, freeing him.
Book V
A pupil of Theophrastus, he governed Athens for ten years, was honored with many statues, later fell from favor, and died in exile.
Theophrastus
Intimate friend who helped Theophrastus acquire his own garden after Aristotle's death.
Demetrius
Main subject of the chapter; pupil of Theophrastus, leader of Athens for ten years, author of many works, died in prison after advising Ptolemy against succession.
Crates
Sent Crates loaves and wine, which Crates criticized, preferring water.
Heraclitus
Referenced for mentioning Heraclitus in his Defense of Socrates.
Diogenes of Apollonia
Mentioned as the source in his Defense of Socrates for Diogenes' unpopularity and danger at Athens.

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