David (commentator)

David (6th century) was a Greek scholar and a commentator on Aristotle and Porphyry.

He may have come from Thessaly, but in later times he was confused with an Armenian of the same name (David Anhaght).^[1] He was a pupil of Olympiodorus in Alexandria in the late 6th century.^[1][2] His name suggests that he was a Christian.^[3]

Two Greek commentaries attributed to him have survived:^[1][4] as well as an introduction to philosophy (prolegomena):

• Prolegomena
• Commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge
• Commentary on Aristotle's Categories

However, it is possible that the Commentary on Aristotle's Categories is actually by his contemporary Elias.^[5]

Another anonymous commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge which was falsely ascribed to Elias (pseudo-Elias), was also falsely ascribed to David.^[6]

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c} Pamela M. Huby, R. W. Sharples, Dimitri Gutas, 1995, Theophrastus of Eresus, Sources for His Life, Writings, Thought and Influence, page 16. BRILL.
2. ^ Jonathan Barnes, 2006, Porphyry Introduction, page xxi. Oxford University Press
3. ^ Richard Sorabji, (1990), Aristotle transformed: the ancient commentators and their influence, page 36.
4. ^ D. N. Sedley, 2003, The Cambridge companion to Greek and Roman philosophy, page 249.
5. ^ The Cambridge Ancient History: Late antiquity: empire and successors, A.D. 425-600 page 844.
6. ^ Pamela M. Huby, R. W. Sharples, Dimitri Gutas, 1995, Theophrastus of Eresus, Sources for His Life, Writings, Thought and Influence, page 17. BRILL.

External links

• David entry by Christian Wildberg in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy