Ariston of Ceos was a Greek philosopher of the 3rd century BCE. A native of the island of Ceos, he was a member of the Peripatetic school, which followed the traditions of Aristotle. He became the head of the school in Athens, likely succeeding Lyco of Troas around 225 BCE. Ancient accounts describe him as a short but compelling speaker, earning him the nickname "Siren." He led the school for a period before passing its leadership to Critolaus.
All of his written works are lost and survive only as titles or brief references. According to ancient sources, he wrote biographical and ethical treatises. Known titles include On Old Age, Relief from Arrogance, a biography of his predecessor titled Lyco, and a set of Exhortations. He is also credited with compiling a collection of notable sayings.
His primary historical importance is as a scholarch, or head of the Peripatetic school, helping to maintain the institution's continuity during the Hellenistic period. His biography of Lyco was used as a source by later writers like Diogenes Laertius, making him a valuable link in preserving the history of philosophy. The ethical themes of his lost works suggest a continued focus on practical philosophy within his school. Scholars note that he is sometimes confused with an earlier Peripatetic philosopher from Ceos who shared the same name, which has complicated the study of his life and work.
Available Works
Sources
- Stanford Encyclopedia Entry (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Accessed: 2026-01-26
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia Entry (Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics) Accessed: 2026-01-26