ARTES LIBERALES Meaning and
Definition
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Artes liberales is a Latin term that translates to "liberal arts" in English. It refers to a system of education that originated in ancient Greece and Rome and was further developed in medieval Europe. The concept of artes liberales is rooted in the belief that these subjects provide individuals with a well-rounded education, cultivating their intellectual abilities and promoting personal growth.
The liberal arts encompass a broad range of disciplines, including grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These subjects were considered fundamental for developing a person's mental and moral faculties, enabling them to fulfill their roles as citizens.
Artes liberales are contrasted with artes illiberales or "servile arts," which were more vocational and focused on practical skills required for crafts and trades. The liberal arts, on the other hand, were seen as essential for the formation of an educated and virtuous person, capable of engaging in philosophical and intellectual pursuits.
Throughout history, the definition and composition of the liberal arts have evolved, with new disciplines being added over time. Today, the liberal arts commonly refer to fields of study such as literature, history, philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and fine arts. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares individuals for a variety of professions and lifelong learning. The liberal arts are still valued for promoting intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, creativity, and a broad understanding of the world.
Etymology of ARTES LIBERALES
The term "artes liberales" is derived from Latin. "Artes" means "arts", and "liberales" means "freedom" or "liberal". The etymology of the word dates back to ancient Greece, where the concept of liberal arts was developed. In Greek, the term was "ἐλευθέριοι τέχναι" (eleutherioi technai), meaning "freed arts".
During the Middle Ages, this Greek term was translated into Latin as "artes liberales", which was used to refer to a specific set of seven branches of knowledge. These seven liberal arts included the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy).
