When people hear the term philosopher, they often imagine the philosophers of ancient Greece with long white beards dressed in flowing robes all sitting around contemplating the meaning of life. While it is true that philosophers do contemplate the meaning of existence, they are deep thinkers on many issues that continue to fuel the desire for knowledge and the quest for truth.
Features
In order to understand what a philosopher is, it is important to understand a bit about philosophy. There are several branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, logic, ethics and much more, but generally philosophy is the study of matters concerning existence. For example, ethics deals with moral dilemmas, whereas logic examines thinking patterns. Metaphysics ponders the natural world and our relationship to the world and universe in which we live.
Function
A philosopher seeks truth in regard to the issues of existence and those conditions that affect humanity. The philosopher attempts to answer previously unanswerable questions through debate and arguments based on logical thought. A philosopher may also be referred to as a deep thinker. She is on a quest to know how, when, where and mostly why. Philosophers often have a strong interest in religion and science. Many philosophers may also be scientists, clergy or religionists. A philosopher may focus mainly on one branch of philosophy or many aspects of the overall study. A philosopher takes established views and challenges them while appealing to logic and reason.
History
Ancient philosophers debated over the state of the universe, life purpose, existence and the political system as well as other subjects concerning humanity and the nature of life. Times changed and so did philosophy but not entirely. Many of the topics of debate that were of importance to the philosophers of old remain just as important in modern philosophy. The only difference is that discoveries were made along the way that have provided answers to some questions, but most of the unanswerable questions of old remain that way in this day and age. In fact, it seems that for every question answered, new ones form to keep the minds of philosophers, scientists and religionists ever occupied.
Significance
There were many great philosophers throughout history. Aristotle was one of them. In fact, some considered Aristotle to be the greatest of philosophers. Aristotle lived from 384 to 322 B.C.E. He was a student of Plato. Aristotle authored many great writings on life, death, the soul, heaven, physics, politics and more, most of them lost now.
Plato was a great intellectual mind as well as a compelling writer. He was a student of Socrates. Plato wrote much material that is just as relevant in modern times as it was in his own. Plato wrote in dialogues detailing conversations between individuals describing passionate debates, ideas and information.
Socrates was much more than a philosopher. He was a wise and courageous soul. He was put to death chiefly because the authorities were uncomfortable with the fact that Socrates caused others to question their own beliefs. He accepted his death with dignity. Socrates did not write his intellectual philosophies down but instead was probably the most well-known conversationalist as well as philosopher. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were just a few of the many great philosophers throughout history.
Considerations
Although ancient Greece might be most well known for great philosophers, other cultures developed their own philosophies as well, and there was no shortage of great thinkers around the globe. Chinese and other Asian civilizations became known for their schools of thought. Confucius was another great philosopher. Philosophers such as Confucius and Socrates knew a truth that remains universal. Philosophy is more about the inner world of humankind and our relationship with the outer physical world than any other physical construct. Philosophy is a quest to find the inner truth in order to obtain answers to all other questions.
Expert Insight
The best philosophical information comes from the philosophers themselves. Take the following quotes and the wisdom contained within them into consideration.
"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." Plato
"Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." Voltaire
"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still." Lao Tzu
"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius
"I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think." Socrates
To find yourself, think for yourself." Socrates
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