Have you ever thought of famous philosophers who lived before you? Do you know that most of the concepts enjoyed today were possible through the help of these famous philosophers who have contributed a lot both in literature and science?
Truly, You have never been a university student if you don’t know these people.
listen.
I am not trying to talk you down, but it is expected of you as a student to these great men.
These famous philosophers through their philosophical quotes, philosophy books, philosophical theories, and postulations have contributed to becoming the best philosophers of all time.
Why do I talk about them this way?
well, talking about these great and famous philosophers who lived on earth right before we came, it is astonishing to note that their works is still widely acknowledged even in this modern era.
That being said,
I have compiled a list of 8 famous philosophers every Student Must Know.
Still, on the matter, how can you be a university student if you don’t know these people? Do not stay in the dark anymore while other people discuss them.
List of Top 8 Famous Philosophers Who Lived
This is why I titled this post, ‘8 Famous Philosophers Who Lived’. Here are their names and contributions to life. List of 8 People
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior
He is popularly known as MLK. He is popular for fighting for the rights of black people in the United States.
But beyond America, Martin Luther King Jr. was also reputed especially after earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was also one of the greatest orators of his time.
Some of his popular speeches include the 1963’s ‘I Have a dream’, ‘I’ve been to the Mountain top’, ‘Vietnam and beyond’, and writings like the letter from Birmingham Prison.
Note: Martin Luther King Junior won The 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in fighting for black rights using the non-combatant method.
He was shot dead in 1969, at the age of 39 years. MLK is among the people every campus student must know!
Malcolm X
Malcolm was one of the black American human rights activists, known for his no-nonsense stand in the fight for the liberation of black people from racist attacks.
He was majorly Muslim and he believed in extreme methods of dealing with the racism in America at that time. The ‘X’ in his name means nullity, he insisted that his African name had been taken away during the slave trade.
He is famed for speeches like ‘Who taught you to hate the skin God Gave you?’, ‘The house neegro vs the field neegro’, ‘When one exercises intelligently directly extremism for the sake of liberty for human beings, it’s no vice’, and many others.
He was 40 when he was assassinated in 1965. Malcolm is one famous philosopher every person should know.
Note: Malcolm X contributed to the Civil Rights and Dignity of Black people in The US
Steve Biko
Steve Biko is the African definition of activism. Yeah, He was only a young university student in South Africa when he stood up against the oppressive rule of the apartheid policy.
He was a mastermind of the Soweto Uprising and many more. He was ruthlessly murdered by the apartheid government police. You can get more about Steve Biko via google search.
For sure, Biko is on the list of famous philosophers every University Student Must Know!
Albert Einstein
Now, who does not know Him? This is the father of all inventions and intelligent quotes. Besides the Law of Relativity and E = MC2 radioactivity equations, Einstein gave several quotes and made several discoveries.
During his time, the German was considered the most intelligent person in the world. After the WW2 (World Word II), he was offered to be the President of Israel, but declined.
How did you even become a university student if you have not heard of this great philosopher called Einstein?!
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
If you don’t know them, it’s only understandable if you are a first year student and haven’t seen the door to a lecture hall yet.
These three Greek Philosophers are the reason art guys go to school or so I suppose.
You would never have done an art course at the university or any other higher institution today without mentioning these names.
They were so wise that their only equal would be probably Solomon. Catch up with a book like The Republic by Plato and you will marvel at just how, hundreds of years before Christ (about 400 BC), people would reason out things like this!
FAQs
Who is considered the top 8 most famous philosophers in history?
The top 8 most famous philosophers, recognized for their influence on Western thought and philosophy, are:
- Socrates – Known as the father of Western philosophy, famous for the Socratic method.
- Plato – A student of Socrates, known for his works on forms, ethics, and politics.
- Aristotle – A student of Plato, was influential in logic, metaphysics, and science.
- Confucius – Chinese philosopher, known for his teachings on ethics, government, and personal morality.
- René Descartes – French philosopher, famous for “Cogito, ergo sum” and foundational work in modern philosophy.
- Immanuel Kant – German philosopher, known for his works on metaphysics and ethics, particularly “Critique of Pure Reason.”
- Friedrich Nietzsche – German philosopher known for his critiques of religion, morality, and modern society.
- Karl Marx – Philosopher and economist, known for his critique of capitalism and ideas on communism.
Why is Socrates considered one of the greatest philosophers?
Socrates is considered one of the greatest philosophers because he fundamentally shifted philosophy from natural science and metaphysical speculation to ethical and human-centered questions. He developed the Socratic method, which uses dialogue and questioning to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying beliefs. His ideas laid the groundwork for much of Western philosophy, although he left no written works. His influence is known largely through his student Plato.
What are Immanuel Kant’s key contributions to philosophy?
Immanuel Kant is best known for his contributions to epistemology and ethics. In epistemology, he introduced the idea that knowledge arises from both experience and reason, challenging earlier purely rationalist or empiricist views. His concept of transcendental idealism shaped modern philosophy. In ethics, his categorical imperative posits that moral actions should be based on universal principles that can be consistently applied. His work has had a lasting influence on both philosophical thought and modern moral philosophy.
Conclusion
These famous philosophers who lived, are the real season while we study courses like physics, law, business, and the rest of them.
Human rights activism originated from them, this is while they are famous philosophers.
Well, in my opinion, these are the real guys, I mean the real famous philosophers who lived and they are in the List of 8 Great Men University Students Must Know!
Let’s hear your thoughts on famous philosophers who lived, please.
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