Which ancient Greek thinker is the most important to the development of western philosophy and science?

Answer 1

Its tough because a lot depnds on the time frame you are looking at, and whether you are talkign about science on the one hand, or philosophy on the other -- and if philosophy, whether political philosophy or other more epistological philosophy.

I think my answer would be Aristotle -- because he was central to the development of scientific thought through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and his political thought was at least as influential as Plato's. Much of the Western philosophy under the Church in the Middle Ages relied on Aristotle. In addition, his liiterary and rhetoric theory was absolutley central to later developments.

Plato's philosophy on other matters has been foundational for Western non-political philosophy, esp. once the Middle Ages were over. (And since what we know of Socrates is through Plato, Plato gets credit for Socrates' thought as well.) But even so, I'd say Aristotle was more important for the subsequent DEVELOPMENT of subsequent Western thought and esp. science.

Answer 2

Without a doubt, Aristotle.

Socrates and Plato laid the groundwork, but Aristotle basically was the university curriculum through the high and late middle ages.

Socrates didn't write anything himself that survived.

Plato mostly confined himself to questions of ethical and political philosophy.

Aristotle dealt with those things and physics, metaphysics, astronomy, etc. Up to the 16th century (and even beyond), to get an education in philosophy or science, you started (and frequently ended) with Aristotle.

Answer 3

Socrates taught Plato. Plato taught Aristotle. All three are important in the development of western philosophy and science.

Answer 4

Aristotle

Answer 5

since you lumped in Science it has to be Aristotle. Socrates (through Plato) allegory of the cave shows that he would not have much time for empiricism. Aristotle did have connections on atomic theory, physics, biology and other sciences.

Answer 6

I would say Socrates, because he questioned everything with uncanny logic.
But Thales was the Ueber Father
Parmenides and Heraklit where more one sided, but set the foundation into Thales dug out.
Platon next and then Aristoteles, to snobish for my taste
Epikur and Zenon
Mostly Platon is mentioned as # 1 in related literature

Answer 7

Maybe Aristotle or Plato.

Answer 8

The old realist, Aristotle.

Answer 9

Was aristotle greek . If so he definately kicked ***

Answer 10

umm socrates