Academy
Definition
An academy is an institution of secondary or tertiary higher learning, research, or honorary membership. The term academia refers to the worldwide human group composed of professors and researchers at institutes of higher learning. The name traces back to Plato's school of philosophy, founded approximately 385 BC at Akademia, a sanctuary of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and skill, north of Athens, Greece.
History
The original Academy was established by Plato in Athens in 385 BC. This academy continued its operation until 529 AD when it was closed by Justinian I of Byzantium, who saw it as a threat to the propagation of Christianity. Many of its intellectuals fled to the city of Harran, near Edessa.
In the centuries that followed, several offshoots of the original academy were established, including the Academy of Gundishapur in Persia, the Academy of Harran, and the Academy of Alexandria. These institutions served as beacons of learning and intellectual progress in an age when much of Europe was in the dark ages.
Modern Academies
In the modern sense, an academy is a learned society or institution of the highest level, typically regulated by a state. The modern academy can be divided into two types: the research academy and the educational academy.
Research Academies
Research academies are institutions that are dedicated to the advancement of science and learning in various fields. These include the Royal Society in the UK, the National Academy of Sciences in the US, and the French Academy of Sciences in France. These institutions are often funded by the state and are tasked with conducting research in various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Educational Academies
Educational academies, on the other hand, are institutions that provide secondary or tertiary education. These include the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. These institutions provide rigorous academic and physical training to prepare students for service in the military.
Role and Impact
Academies play a crucial role in the advancement of knowledge and the development of human capital. They provide a platform for intellectual discourse and research, fostering innovation and progress in various fields. Academies also play a key role in education, training the next generation of leaders, scientists, and scholars.