Who do you think was the most influential, profound philosopher in history?

Answer 1

Aristotle, for many reasons,
1. Aristotle's "Ethics"

This book is probably the greatest philosophical work ever written on ethics and moral philosophy. It has stood the test of time and forms the basis for a commonsense philosophical view of realistic ethics.

2.Aristotle's "Politics"

The Politics is one of the most influential texts in the history of political thought, and it raises issues which still confront anyone who wants to think seriously about the ways in which human societies are organized and governed.

3. The Golden Mean

This is one of my favorite philosophical applications to my daily life.

Answer 2

Socrates.. for four reasons:

1) Socratic method. Definition, Analysis, and Synthesis are fundamental to all sound reasoning and philosophy.

2) Scope of influence. Plato was his student, and Aristotle was Plato's student. The direct (and indirect) influence of Socrates is undeniable.

3) Cosmological Argument. Socrates is the pivotal point in the "First Cause" argument, though indirectly. Since the argument by Thomas Aquinas attempts to employ Aristotelian logic as a means of defining the origin of existence, then the best possible clarity for this argument comes from employing Plato's Theory of Forms.... which is a direct byproduct of Socratic influence.

4) He was bald. So am I. That makes him cool.

Answer 3

Profound seems a matter of opinion. Influential, however, seems to have a better answer.

"Plato. It has been said that everything else that has followed has only been commentary."

The same has been said of Immanuel Kant.

Nietzsche has had a huge effect on the 20th century (even if those like the Nazis twisted his ideas completely and used him as justification), but ultimately Jesus has to be the most influential in regard to effects on history.

Answer 4

I'd say you have to go to the ancients for that. Lao-Tseu, Confucius, Buddha, Socrates and Aristotle come to mind.
Their systems of thought still influence entire cultures today. Socrates and Aristotle laid the foundation of rational inquiry which characterizes Western Thought. Confucius is behind the unifying view of society that makes modern China possible, while Lao-Tseu and Buddha are the most profound spiritual thinkers that come to mind.

Answer 5

AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada

Answer 6

A few candidates come to mind:

Aristotle and Plato for laying the basis of Western thought.

John Locke and Adam Smith, more recently, for so strongly influencing modern goverment and economic theory.

Rene Descartes (this is a personal theory) for his writings on dualism which has influenced modern medical theory and fueled the split between medicine and psychology.

Answer 7

Wow! u can't pick specific one unless u tell us what field of the philosophy u r talking about. there r many who contributed in various fields of philosophy. Ayn Rand comes to mind. of course there are Descartes, Nietzsche, Sartre some of my favorites. Aristotle believed in science and truth but also believed in Religion, i never understood that. i guess he understood the importance of separation of church and state. none the less extremely influential. also don't forget his teacher Plato. read the Republic and ull know his reach on subject matter. and the great one himself - Socrates

Answer 8

I believe the rationalism of Descartes (It is not possible that the finite human mind could formulate the concept of the infinite)
and John Locke's explanation of the relationship between faith and reason provide an excellent foundation for understanding theology.

Answer 9

The most profound existential observation made to sum up the greatest truth of life has to be attributed to the person who said "Sh*t Happens".

Answer 10

Socrates