Who is the best philosopher of all time,and why?

Question

Only serious answers. Which one do you think is most relevant today

Answer 1

I pick Aristotle.
He made sense to prove that all the things in the universe are not ideals or mere copies like how Plato theorized(form+corporeal matter = reality) He held, all things are real as in form and as in matter, meaning, ideas(forms) are in(immanent) matter, it does not transcend or go above or outside things. He argued how can perfect,changeless, eternal ideas be impressed on lifeless matter?
Plato thought things are just mere copies of the real world(ideals)
for him, reality is achieved by matter impressed on the form.e.g.the form of pear tree would like to assume an apple tree.
We avail ourselves a tree to assume the matter of an apple tree. Which doesn't make sense in the end. Imagine if we all think how Plato did in his controversial theory, then we would be living in a great big lie. We can always think that the pear tree infront of our eyes is in reality an apple tree. It'll be total mass confusion.
The apple tree for Aristotle is a unity of form and matter. They are eternally together. If the form apple tree seeks to realize itself in impressed matter, it will only assume absolutely the same apple tree.
Second choice for me is Socrates.

Answer 2

Honestly, I would have to say the guy who wrote or inspired the Bible - The Holy Spirit! It seems that the general advice there can be tailored to any time. The Psalms and Proverbs are inspirational, instructional, and edifying, even today.

In philosophy there is really only one great question - IS THERE A GOD? All other questions are branched from this question. Philosophers seem to line up on the different sides and answer/ theorize accordingly. When I answer philosophy questions by applying the Bible, I usually get very good answers.

Answer 3

I have to agree with answer number one and I'll add my opinion.

BEST is totally relative to WHO applies the philosophy to their own thinking and life process.

Philosophers seem to be expanding exponentially, and admittedly I have my own philosophies I expound on, share, believe, and offer as subtle conversions, but that in no way MAKES me any more or less valid than another.

With no offense, and if you truly study philosophers and their preachings, you'll note that the ACT of philosophizing is not a Science, and is cyclical, IE: in a ten year cycle, philosophies about anything can go back and forth. Example: "Space is infinite" ,,, 10 years hence, "Space is shrinking"

My suggestion always to those especially who live their lives through the philosophies of others, is to GET YOUR OWN, but be flexible with it, allow it to grow, shrink, be molded maybe? But allow that it can change.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

Hmm Jp the answer pimp, ever heard of
Confucius? think he influences just a few people mate.

Buddha was pretty philosophical for a prince as well!!!

Thats a well hard question, you got my head jumping all round the planet to different philosophers an the modern cultures based upon them. Nice one bruv. Big ups.

Answer 5

from a personal point of view, there is no such thing as the greatest philosopher, they are relevant, all of them in their own way and in their own perspective

you could either have a favorite from one of them, but its totally different from different perspectives and angles, they contradict each and everyone
i guess what we all must really think about is how every idea can relate to us and if its useful enough then go believing it too

Answer 6

It is impossible to rate philosophers. Every age has its share of philosophers. Today, I think it is OC Tross author of the book; "Another Thought". Read "Another Thought" by OC Tross and you will realize that he is today's philosopher.

Answer 7

It depends,each has his own distinct philosophy.Some philosophers offer good guidance or inspirations in life.Take for example John Dewey,his quest for continuous human development and the pursuit of education for all.

Answer 8

That is sort like arguing who is the best baseball player or rock guitarist. You would end up with subjective opinion.
"If one does not ask the right preliminary question he is bound to fail" Aristotle
In a simple nutshell Socrates,Plato, and Aristotle.

Answer 9

Cain from "Kung Fu" I got more out of his ways than anything I have read in a book.
Philosophy should be a mixture of views . One person can't have all the right ideas.

Answer 10

Socrates, because he was wise enough NOT to write down anything, because he realized people would interpret what he had written NOT as he meant it to be taken! Luckily, his buddy did write down most of his thoughts. Still, people DO interpret what he said in different ways.