Clarke,
> in some biographical information I have read
> on Nietzsche and a few other 19th century philosophers it mentions
> "gymnasium" as a part of their university curriculum. What exactly is this?
> Certainly not physical education if Nietzsche was a participant.
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From:
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/background/35a_p1.html
" The word gymnasium is derived from gumnazo, meaning exercise, and gumnos, meaning naked or loin-clothed. The gymnasia were the ancient Greek equivalent of a sports centre, and several were located just outside Athens' city walls. The ancient Greeks regarded a healthy body almost as highly as a good education, and young men of wealthy background would spend a good portion of each day exercising there. Favourite sports included wrestling, javelin and discus throwing, and boxing.
Gymnasia usually consisted of a large exercise yard surrounded by a series of outhouses including changing rooms, practice rooms and baths. Athletes wore no clothes and it was common practice for them to oil or dust their bodies before and after taking part in sports activities. "
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I don't now exactly about the 19th century Germany. Here in Italy, "Ginnasio" is our Humanistic High School. It's a school focused on classic studies (Greek, Latin, Philosophy, Literature). It comes before the university. A possible meaning is that in order to learn, you have to be "naked" [something like the RMP's tea cup].
Anyway, just like in modern American colleges, it was already usual to have both a physical and a cultiral training, in ancient Greek schools..
Bye
Marco
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