10 Most Influential Philosophers of All Time

10 Most Influential Philosophers of All Time

By Archisha Yadav | December 28, 2024

A Greek philosopher known for his Socratic method, Socrates laid the foundation for Western philosophy by questioning conventional wisdom and encouraging critical thinking.

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Socrates

A student of Socrates, Plato established the Academy in Athens and explored justice, ethics, and governance in his dialogues, including The Republic.

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Plato

A student of Plato, Aristotle made contributions across fields like logic, science, and politics, influencing both ancient and modern thought.

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Aristotle

An ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius emphasised moral conduct, social harmony, and respect for family, shaping East Asian culture and ethics.

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Confucius

Kant revolutionised modern philosophy with his ideas on morality, metaphysics, and epistemology, most notably in Critique of Pure Reason.

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Immanuel Kant

A French philosopher often called the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” Descartes is famous for Cogito, ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”).

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René Descartes

Known for The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, Marx’s ideas on class struggle and economics influenced modern political ideologies.

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Karl Marx

Nietzsche challenged traditional morality and religion, proposing the concept of the Übermensch and the idea that “God is dead.”

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Friedrich Nietzsche

A key figure of the Enlightenment, Locke’s works on natural rights and government heavily influenced democratic thought and constitutions.

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John Locke

A 20th-century philosopher and feminist, Beauvoir’s The Second Sex analysed women’s oppression and laid the groundwork for modern feminist theory.

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Simone de Beauvoir

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