Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophers

Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, laid the groundwork for Western philosophy.
They used reason and logic to explore the cosmos and human morality.
Their ideas shaped philosophy and science for centuries.

Considered the first Greek philosopher (7th century BC).
Focused on natural science rather than moral issues.
A monist, believing the universe was built around one fundamental element.
Concluded water was the essential element for life and the creation of the universe.
Established the Milesian school and taught students like Pythagoras.

(570 BC) Considered the Father of Mathematics.
Believed mathematics provided a rational explanation for the universe.
Discovered complex relationships between numbers through proportions and ratios.
Studied geometry and made significant advancements in mathematics and architecture.
Used deductive reasoning, influencing later philosophers like Plato.
Pythagoreans believed their intellectual breakthroughs were heavenly truths. They associated spiritual meaning with numbers.

A key figure in Western philosophy, known for his devotion to truth, virtue, debate, and martyrdom-like death.
He was sentenced to death in Athens for philosophical discussions.
Focused on ethical concerns, viewing the cultivation of virtue as a human being's most crucial obligation.
Developed the Socratic method, a conversational approach to explore philosophical questions.
His philosophical beliefs were explored in Plato's early dialogues.

A student of Socrates; he created a foundation for ancient Neoplatonism, influencing early Medieval philosophy and Christian theology.
His ideas influenced 19th-century German idealism and 20th-century process philosophy.
Proposed a realm of ideal, perfect, and unchanging Forms underlying the physical world, a topic explored in The Republic.
His philosophical theories were presented in dialogues, with Socrates as the main character.

Considered one of history's most influential thinkers.
Contributed to metaphysics, ethics, logic, the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, political philosophy, and aesthetics.
Established formal logic (the Syllogistic system of reasoning).
Differentiated major scientific subjects and pioneered empirical science.
His philosophy became the framework for later Western Scholasticism.

A Renaissance diplomat and writer who wrote The Prince.
Focused on political theory and governance, emphasizing pragmatic leadership strategies.
Argued that rulers might need to use harsh or manipulative methods to achieve success.
His thoughts on how to manage power have been influential.

Considered the father of modern philosophy.
Introduced new ideas about science, the mind, and knowledge.
Developed a scientific approach based on mechanical principles.
Introduced dualism (mind and body).
Known for systematic doubt as part of his search for knowledge. His works include Meditations.

Influenced the French Revolution;
Believed societal advancements led to moral decline, not betterment.
Recognized the importance of human morality and the need for greater societal equality.
Viewed government based on varying levels of inequality.

Developed a framework for analyzing class, society, and power dynamics with Friedrich Engels.
Believed capitalism's inequalities would lead to a socialist system and a classless society.
His theories impacted social and political movements.

Influenced 20th-century thought through his critical assessment of Western philosophy, religion, and morality.
Presented controversial ideas such as the "will to power," the death of God, and the "Übermensch" (superman).
His aphoristic and poetic writing style made him influential.

Prominent figure in existentialism.
Emphasized the importance of individual freedom and responsibility.
Believed humans are responsible for creating their own meaning and essence in an otherwise meaningless world.

Analyzed power and knowledge within social contexts.
Examined the ways institutions like schools, prisons, and hospitals maintain social order.
His ideas on power's operation have influenced discussions on social justice and human rights, continuing to impact thought.