Core Insights - Glenn Most is a prominent classical scholar with a diverse academic background spanning the United States, Germany, and Italy, focusing on ancient Greek literature, comparative literature, and cultural studies [1][3][4] Academic Journey - Most initially intended to study biophysics at Harvard but shifted to modern literature and philosophy, eventually pursuing classical studies to understand the roots of modern works [3][4] - He holds two PhDs, one in comparative literature from Yale and another in ancient Greek literature from Tübingen, reflecting his deep interest in the concept of "poetic truth" [4][5] Teaching Experience - Most has taught at various prestigious institutions, including universities in the U.S., Germany, and Italy, noting differences in academic culture and structure between American and European universities [5][6] - He emphasizes the collaborative nature of research and teaching in American universities compared to the more hierarchical structure in European institutions [5] Evolution of Classical Studies - Classical studies have faced challenges since World War II, struggling to maintain their authority and prestige amid the overall decline of the humanities [6][7] - Most observes a shift in classical studies towards integrating modern methodologies, such as structuralism and gender studies, although this has not fully restored the field's former status [6][7] Philology and Methodology - Most's interest in philology grew from his experiences in Tübingen, where he recognized the importance of philologists in understanding classical texts [7][8] - He collaborated on a new translation of Wolf's "Prolegomena ad Homerum," aiming to bring this core text to a broader audience, highlighting the significance of teamwork in academic projects [8][9] Academic Practices - Most defines philology as a professional study of authoritative texts, linking it to historical and ethical dimensions in education [9][10] - He believes that philology should be understood as both a professional discipline and a collection of evolving values and interpretative practices [10][11] Influence of the Leibniz Prize - Winning the Leibniz Prize allowed Most to promote classical studies in directions he deemed important, leading to the publication of the "Aporemata" series, which discusses key methodologies in classical studies [11][12] Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Most emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by ancient technical texts, advocating for a collective approach to research [12][15] - He has organized projects that bring together experts from various fields to explore the connections between ancient mathematics and other disciplines [15][18] Comparative Classical Studies - Most identifies as a comparative scholar, believing that understanding ancient Greek literature requires comparative analysis with other literary traditions [18][19] - He advocates for integrating Greek and Roman studies into broader comparative and global classical studies, especially in light of institutional challenges [19][21]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of classical studies (经学) in China since the late Qing Dynasty, highlighting how it has fragmented into various disciplines and lost its institutionalized academic form, becoming more of a historical material rather than a central scholarly focus [2][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Transformation - The disintegration of classical studies during the late Qing and early Republic periods led to a narrowed understanding, where "elementary studies" (小学) and "historical studies of classical texts" (经学史) became the prevailing consensus in academia [3][4]. - Classical studies have been largely replaced by classical learning (古典学), which emphasizes historical literature and has become a significant part of Chinese cultural narrative, connecting modern scholarship with earlier traditions [3][4][5]. - The modern interpretation of classical studies has shifted towards a focus on textual criticism and historical documentation, leading to a diminished role for classical studies as a central academic discipline [4][5][6]. Group 2: Influence of Western Scholarship - The introduction of Western classical studies has influenced the understanding and development of Chinese classical studies, with scholars like B.A. Elman arguing that Qing Dynasty textual criticism represents a new paradigm of empirical scholarship [4][5][6]. - The modern academic framework has been shaped by the Qing Dynasty's approach to textual studies, which has been recognized as a unique path for the transition from traditional to modern scholarship in China [5][6][8]. Group 3: Methodological Approaches - Two main approaches to classical studies have emerged: one focuses on the introduction and adaptation of Western classical studies, while the other seeks to compare and integrate Western and Chinese scholarly traditions [10][11]. - The first approach emphasizes the institutionalization of classical studies as a new discipline, while the second approach aims to reflect on and adjust modern academic divisions by incorporating insights from classical studies [10][11][12]. Group 4: Philosophical Implications - The article suggests that classical studies should not be viewed merely as historical artifacts but as living concepts that engage with contemporary existence, emphasizing the need for a philosophical understanding of "classical" that transcends temporal boundaries [13][14][15]. - The interpretation of classical texts is framed as an essential human activity, where understanding and meaning-making are central to the human experience, thus linking classical studies to modern existential inquiries [15][16][17].