Philosophers play a pivotal role in shaping society’s perspectives, evaluating theories, and assessing complicated problems. (1)
Here are some of the most well-known philosophers of all time:
1. Socrates (470 BC- 399 BC)
Socrates is a Greek philosopher who is considered one of the founders of Greek philosophy. He did not write any publications and is known mostly through writings of other classical philosophers, particularly his students Plato and Xenophon. (1)
Socrates, unlike many Greek philosophers, has no interest in mathematics or natural sciences. His main focus was the soul, including:
- Morality
- Virtue
- Life
He had many enemies due to his strong morals. He was accused of impiety many times because of his non-conventional approach to religion and was convicted of supporting Spartan authoritarianism rather than Athenian democracy, which led to his condemnation to death by drinking poison for corrupting the city’s youth. (1)
2. Plato (428 BC- 348 BC)
Plato was an Athenian philosopher and the founder of the Platonist school of thought, along with the first higher learning institution in the western world known as “the Academy”. He was considered one of Socrates’ most influential students, his work was regarded as one of the cornerstones of the Western religion and spirituality, influencing Christianity through many church fathers like Augustine. (2)
His work generally presents Plato’s philosophy, where the main character speaks for Plato himself. He focuses on blending ethics, moral psychology, political philosophy, epistemology, and metaphysics into philosophy. (3)
3. Confucius (551 BC- 479 BC)
Although many current academics refrain from attributing particular concepts to him, Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who is believed to have contributed to much of the Chinese classic literature. His teachings are often based on Chinese faith and traditions, as he viewed himself as a transmitter of past eras’ ideals that were lacking in his time. (4)
Confucius’s philosophical fundamentals, called Confucianism, emphasized: (4)
- Individual and political morality
- Social connection accuracy
- Fairness
- Compassion
- Sincerity
References:
(1) History’s Most Famous Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and More! | History Cooperative
(2) The 25 Most Influential Philosophers of All Time–A Philosophy Study Starter | Academic Influence
(3) Plato | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (utm.edu)
(4) Famous Philosophers – History’s Greatest Thinkers (artincontext.org)
He had many enemies due to his strong morals. He was accused of impiety many times because of his non-conventional approach to religion and was convicted of supporting Spartan authoritarianism rather than Athenian democracy, which led to his condemnation to death by drinking poison for corrupting the city’s youth. (1)
