2006-12-24 14:34:44 · 11 answers · asked by Philip Kiriakis 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Aristotle, by far. He made philosophy a science. His versatility and in-depth approach were basics for Western (Europe) knowledge 2000 years. If he made mistakes, it was not because he made theories up walking down Greek streets, but because that was the top knowledge at the time.
2006-12-24 23:15:11 · answer #1 · answered by BataV 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider Greek Philosopher Aristotle as the most versatile Philosopher among the ancients. His writings cover wide area of subjects like Logic, Physics, psychology, Natural History, Metaphysics, Education, Politics and Art. He was associated with Macedonian Court and personal Tutor of Alexander the Great.. He
must have been a great thinker to write on such a lot of subjects, His writings are fortunately available for us still.
2006-12-24 22:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by Brahmanyan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Miyamoto Musashi - cause he wrote a very short book, deep enough, that people spend a lifetime studying the depths of what he wrote.
It is very hard to synopsize that , but what I take away, is that all structures of thought are human structures, and not the reality they are built around for understanding. By being too enamored of that structure you take it to places where reality does not go.
He uses the various styles of sword fighting as concrete examples, how each style has its advantages, but each has vulnerabilities because the situation may be slightly different than the situation the teacher of the style expected when he planned the form.
His plan, be straight up, completely honest with yourself and others, have no style or plan, but be able to see and react to actual reality in real time. Good advice when razors are whipping all about you, and Musashi was remarkably successful at following his own advice, living to old age when most of the sword fighters did not.
But his ideas are extensible to every day life, as many sped their lives learning the many way this is so. For me, I will also follow only where it follows reality, and not to places where reality does not go.
Western Ideas of freedom and democracy are foreign in Musashi's world, but the underlying part about making actual reality the final answer, and not any structure, holds up in any culture.
2006-12-25 00:30:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dragon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like Kant's view of good and evil, basing it on reason and not simply desire, and his whole concept of universibility is great, but I'd have to say Aristotle, even though he is talked about probably most often. He basically created the art of logic and linguistics, which is a huge part of the way our society works today, especially in the sciences.
Confucius was very wise as well, and I enjoy a lot of his quotes.
2006-12-24 23:12:55 · answer #4 · answered by The best Me there is!!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lao Tse. Metaphysics without the babble, ethics without the intrusion, and a quite unique perspective. Good use of language to encourage thought, and avoids dogma like a real philosophy should.
Note: Taoist phiilosphy (Tao Chia), isn't the same thing as the religious version.
2006-12-24 22:58:16 · answer #5 · answered by Paul W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddha... of the Zen variety.
Sometimes you need to not worry about what has happened, or what is going to happen, but just be in the moment and enjoy what IS.
2006-12-24 22:52:12 · answer #6 · answered by Athenart 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Confucius - because he said "Man who walk side ways through turnstile in airport going to Bangkok"
2006-12-24 22:38:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Will Rogers, sharp to the point, very humorous, human
2006-12-24 22:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by T C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If I could consider Him as one, then he would be Jesus because He tries to save our souls for all eternity. Merry Christmas!
2006-12-24 22:42:49 · answer #9 · answered by Alfretz T 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Socrates, because he was willing to die for what he believed.
2006-12-24 22:36:17 · answer #10 · answered by Lady Love Machine 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋