The Old Academy and the Early Hellenistic Period

The paper shows that the philosophy of academics in the period of early Hellenism contained two opposite tendencies. The alienation of the individual from society, which manifested itself in the strengthening of moral and ethical rigorism and the development of the genre of consolation. This tendency was also seen in the reclusive and ascetic way of life of academics. The desire for political activity was manifested in the interest of academics in politics, as well as in their participation in state affairs. The first tendency was associated with the formation of Hellenistic monarchies. The second tendency was a consequence of the preservation of the Greek polis.

Keywords: Old Academy, Xenocrates, Polemon, alienation of the individual from society, the desire for political activity.