The classical liberal arts are seven academic subjects that were studied as necessary preparations for the lifelong pursuit of wisdom. These seven arts are: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy. While these names are still used in education today, they no longer retain their original meanings. It is important that we understand what these arts truly are so that we may study them rightly and enjoy the benefits they offer.
The seven classical liberal arts are divided into two groups: the Trivium and the Quadrivium.
The Trivium consists of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Grammar is the art by which we read and write correctly. Logic is the art of reasoning correctly. Rhetoric is the art of communicating effectively. These may be thought of as the ancient language arts, taught to equip students for the study of philosophy and theology.
The Quadrivium consists of Arithmetic, Music, Geometry, and Astronomy. These four studies investigate the different kinds of quantity. Quantity is divided into two species: Multitude, which can be divided into distinct units, and Magnitude, which can be divided into parts. Arithmetic is the study of absolute multitude—that is, multitude considered in itself (e.g., two, seven). Music is the study of relative multitude—that is, multitude considered in relation to another (e.g., one-half, triple). Geometry is the study of magnitude in figures at rest. Astronomy is the study of magnitude in figures in motion. These may be thought of as the ancient mathematical arts, also taught to prepare students for the study of philosophy and theology.
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy exists to research, restore, publish, and teach these seven arts according to their original sources and methods.
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
