Most Notable Ancient Greek Philosophers

MOST NOTABLE ANCIENT
GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
PYTHAGORAS (570 BCE TO 495 BCE)
A mathematician and scientist, he was
credited with formulating the Pythagorean
theorem. His work earned him many
followers, and he established a community of
learners who were devoted to the study of
religion and philosophy.
HERACLITUS (535 BCE TO 475 BCE)
He proposed that everything that exists is
based on a higher order or plan which he
called logos. For him, change is a permanent
aspect of the human condition as he was
credited with the saying, "No man ever steps
in the same river twice."
DEMOCRITUS (460 BCE TO 370 BCE)
He devoted himself to the study of the

causes of natural phenomena. He was
among the first to propose that matter is
composed of tiny particles called atoms.
DIOGENES OF SINOPE
(412 BCE TO 323 BCE)
He was a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life.
For Diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should
show it in words and actions. His emphasis on austerity and
simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to have
lived like a beggar. He was also known to be a vocal critic of
well-known philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. His
teachings and views were later developed by his followers
and influenced the development of several schools of
philosphy such as Cynicism and Stoicism.
EPICURUS (341 BCE TO 270 BCE)
He believed that philosophy could enable

man to a life of happiness. His views gave
rise to Epicureanism - a school of philosophy
which believes that wisdom and simple living
will result in a life free of fear and pain
SOCRATES (470 BCE TO 399 BCE)
He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times.
He made great contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates
was a known critic of intellectuals during his time, but he
himself did not claim to be "wise" and merely considered
himself a "midwife" that helped inquiring minds achieve
wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could enable a man
to live a life of virtue. He was credited with formulating the
Socratic Method - a means of examining a topic by devising a
series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze
his knowledge and views regarding the topic
PLATO (427 BCE TO 347 BCE)
A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor's teachings and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings
were considered the foundation of Western philosophy. Plato's most
significant ideas included his Theory of Forms, which proposes that
everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be
perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging.
He also focused his studies on the ideal society and proposed an ideal model
of government and society which is ruled by wisdom and reason. Plato is
also known for his dialectic - a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas
are discussed in an attempt to arrive at new knowledge. Plato's lasting
contribution to learning was his founding of the Academy, an institution of
higher learning which was the first of its kind in the Western World.
ARISTOTLE (384 BCE TO 322 BCE)
He attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato. Aristotle,
however, disagreed with Plato's theory of forms and took a different stance
in interpreting reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception
and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive. This view
greatly influenced the study of the physical sciences. Aristotle was involved
in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics, and
politics. He also proposed a system for the classification of plants and
animals. His studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of
analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning the process by
which specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.
From their roots in ancient Greece, the thoughts and ideas of
philosophers soon gained popularity in many places throughout
the world. The developments that started in ancient Greece
brought about the emergence of Western Philosophy.
Meanwhile, Eastern Philosophy emerged from the communities
and civilizations in Asia. While both philosophies pondered the
significant questions regarding human existence, Western
philosophy throughout the centuries became more systematic
and specialized in its approach. Eastern philosophy, on the other
hand, is more fluid and places greater emphasis on social
relations, the family, and community.
At present, philosophy is an important field
of study as it touches upon a diverse array of
topics and disciplines. Every aspect of human
knowledge from the arts to science and
technology has benefitted from the inquiring
nature of philosophy.

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MOST NOTABLE ANCIENT

He devoted himself to the study of the

He believed that philosophy could enable

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