Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, is a legendary figure in Chinese philosophy and is traditionally attributed as the founder of Taoism. The historical details of his life are shrouded in legend and myth. According to tradition, Laozi lived in ancient China during the 6th century BCE. He is best known for his authorship of … Read more
Adam Smith (1723–1790) was a Scottish economist and philosopher, often regarded as the father of modern economics. His seminal work, “The Wealth of Nations” (1776), laid the foundation for classical economic thought. Smith emphasized the role of self-interest and competition in fostering economic prosperity, introducing the concept of the “invisible hand” to describe the unintended … Read more
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was an influential theologian and philosopher in the early Christian Church. Born in North Africa (modern-day Algeria), Augustine is best known for his philosophical contributions to Christian doctrine. His seminal work, “Confessions,” is a spiritual autobiography exploring his journey to Christianity. Augustine’s theological writings, such as “City of God,” shaped … Read more
René Descartes (1596-1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, often regarded as the “father of modern philosophy.” His influential work, “Discourse on the Method,” laid the foundation for rationalism, emphasizing reason as the key to knowledge. Descartes is famous for the statement “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), highlighting the certainty of … Read more
John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the “Father of Liberalism,” Locke’s ideas on natural rights, government, and the social contract profoundly impacted political philosophy. His works, including “Two Treatises of Government” and “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” argued for the … Read more
Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher, economist, and political theorist who co-authored “The Communist Manifesto” and wrote “Das Kapital.” He is renowned for his contributions to Marxist theory, emphasizing the role of class struggle in shaping society and advocating for a communist society where the means of production are owned collectively. Marx’s ideas have … Read more
Plato (c. 428/427–348/347 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Plato’s philosophical works, primarily in the form of dialogues, explore topics such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology. His most famous … Read more
Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher renowned as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Born in Athens, he profoundly influenced the intellectual tradition through his distinctive method of inquiry, known as the Socratic method, which involved asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Although he wrote nothing himself, … Read more
Confucius (551-479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas have profoundly shaped East Asian culture and philosophy. Known as Kongzi (Master Kong) in Chinese, he emphasized ethical and moral values, advocating for social harmony through principles like filial piety, loyalty, and respect for authority. His teachings, compiled in the Analects, stressed the importance … Read more
Aristotle (384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and polymath. He was a student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle made significant contributions to various fields, including ethics, metaphysics, biology, physics, and politics. His works laid the foundation for Western philosophy and had a profound influence on the development of scientific thinking. … Read more