2006-08-26 13:59:02 · 4 answers · asked by Chris M 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
socrates was recorded to have fought valiantly, in a number of military actions. archimedes , if you consider him a philosopher, was killed during a battle, though he wasn't fighting it, just then (he was working out an equation, the story goes - he did, however, invent a great many destructive devices, which may've been used to fight wars WITH). marcus aurelius wrote what is arguably a book of philosphy (the, "meditations"), though largely influenced by the stoic philosphy of epictetus, while on a campaign of war. camus was active in the french resistance, during WW II... i'm sure the list goes on and on; philosophers don't get, "get out of the draft free" cards, as a rule.
2006-08-26 14:31:41 · answer #1 · answered by altgrave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What an excellent question! I checked Wikipedia for more information about dates, etc., but I already knew that there were a few famous philosopher/soldiers. Below are 3.
Socrates (470–399 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy. He served in the Athenian army during the Peloponnesian War, and was decorated for bravery.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD), Roman Emperor, was one of the most important stoic philosophers and also a great commander. He was almost constantly involved in wars against Germanic tribes on the northern edge of the Empire. (The movie Gladiator shows some of this story).
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) signed up for one year of voluntary service with the Prussian artillery division in Naumburg in 1867.
2006-08-26 22:32:21 · answer #2 · answered by peter_lobell 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soldiers, you mean? Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, Descartes, Wittgenstein. Probably several more. Hobbes was greatly influenced by the English Civil War, though he was no fighter. I think Sartre was in the French Resistance.
2006-08-26 21:43:13 · answer #3 · answered by brucebirdfield 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe so or they would I'm sure have a different philosophy. They were lovers not fighters.
2006-08-26 21:02:05 · answer #4 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋