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Period: 600 BCE to 400 BCE
Laozi
Author of the Dao De Jing, an ancient Chinese text which is considered the foundational text of Daoism. He emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Dao (the natural way of things) and living a simple, non-action oriented life. He also stressed the importance of spontaneity, humility, and non-striving. -
Period: 551 BCE to 479 BCE
Confucius
Developed the philosophy of Confucianism, which focused on the cultivation of virtue, particularly the virtues of filial piety, loyalty, and propriety. He believed in the importance of education and self-improvement as a means to become a virtuous person. He also emphasized the importance of social harmony, and the role of the ruler in creating a just society. -
500 BCE
Gautama Buddha
The founder of Buddhism, which originated in India. He taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the means to overcome suffering and achieve enlightenment. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-control as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. -
Period: 469 BCE to 399 BCE
Socrates
Considered the father of Western philosophy and is known for his Socratic method of questioning and dialogue. He believed that the key to living a virtuous life was self-knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom. He emphasized the importance of understanding one's own beliefs and the nature of morality. -
Period: 428 BCE to 347 BCE
Plato
He was a student of Socrates and wrote extensively on the nature of justice and the ideal state in his famous works such as "The Republic". He proposed the idea of the "philosopher-king", in which the rulers of society should be philosopher-kings who possessed knowledge of the forms or the ideal versions of things. He also believed that the soul was immortal and that there were eternal truths, which could be known through reason and contemplation. -
Period: 384 BCE to 322 BCE
Aristotle
He was a student of Plato, and believed that the good life was one of reason and virtue. He developed a theory of virtue ethics, which held that ethical behavior was a function of character and habits rather than rules. He believed that the ultimate goal of human life was to achieve eudaimonia, which translates to "happiness" or "flourishing". He also believed in the concept of the "golden mean", which holds that virtues fall between two vices, one of excess and the other of deficiency. -
Period: 4 BCE to 30
Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, and his teachings focus on the ethics of love and forgiveness. He taught the importance of humility, compassion, and service to others. His message of love and redemption through the sacrifice of himself has been a central element of Christian theology and ethics. -
Period: 570 to 632
Prophet Muhammad
The founder of Islam and the last prophet of God according to Islamic belief. He received revelations from God in the form of the Quran, which serves as the foundation of Islamic ethics and morality. He also taught through his actions and sayings, which were recorded in the Hadith. His teachings emphasize the importance of social justice, compassion, and respect for others. -
Period: to
Thomas Hobbes
An English philosopher and political theorist who is best known for his work "Leviathan," in which he propounded the idea that human beings were naturally selfish and violent, and that a strong centralized government was necessary to maintain order and security. He believed that individuals would willingly give up some of their rights in order to be protected by the state. -
Period: to
René Descartes
A French philosopher, mathematician and scientist, who is considered the father of modern western philosophy. He is known for his famous statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which he used to establish a foundation for knowledge. He believed that knowledge could be gained through reason and that the mind and body were separate entities. His work laid the foundation for the development of deontological ethics. -
Period: to
Jeremy Bentham
English philosopher and political reformer who is considered the founder of modern utilitarianism. He believed that the moral value of an action should be judged based on its ability to produce the greatest overall happiness, or "utility". He proposed the principle of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number" as a guide for moral decision-making. He also advocated for legal and social reforms to increase the overall happiness of society. -
Period: to
Friedrich Nietzsche
Developed an ethical theory that rejected traditional moral systems and advocated for the individual to create their own values. He famously declared "God is dead" and rejected traditional notions of good and evil. He emphasized the importance of self-overcoming and the will to power as a means of achieving personal excellence and self-actualization. -
Period: to
Jean-Paul Sartre
French philosopher and writer who is considered one of the most influential figures of existentialism. He believed that individuals were fundamentally free and responsible for their own actions, and that this freedom was both a blessing and a curse. He emphasized the importance of individuals taking personal responsibility for their own lives and making their own choices. He also critiqued traditional notions of morality, arguing that individuals must create their own values and morals.