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CONFUCIUS

I was born circa 551 BC in Lu (ancient China).

Though it is argued that the Greeks formularized the idea of democracy, it is possible that I came up with the idea first.

I defended the idea of an Emperor, but believed that his power should be limited. Any ruler who abuses is a tyrant.

I am the most influential philosopher of the Eastern world of all time.

SOCRATES

I was born circa 470 BC in Athens, Greece.

My work can be seen through plays by Aristophanes and writings by Xenophon. They were my students.

Much more of my work, however, can be seen in the dialogues written by Plato.

A form of inquiry and discussion between individual based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas is named after me.

PLATO

I was born circa 428 BC in Athens, Greece.

I believe that the universe has a creator and that we are less real than the creator.

I opened the world’s first school of higher education, the Academy of Athens.

I preserved some of Socrates’ ideas through my writings. Everything Socrates ever wrote down has been lost.

ARISTOTLE

I was born in 384 BC in Stagira, Chalcidice (Greece).

I joined the Academy of Athens when I was eighteen and stayed there until I was thirty-seven (shortly after Plato’s death).

I was hired to tutor Alexander the Great. This money allowed me to establish a library.

I am considered the father of Western Philosophy.

PAUL OF TARSUS

I was born 5 AD in Tarsus, Cilicia (now Turkey).

I am a Christian apostle, though not one of the Twelve Apostles.

Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to me.

I also go by the names of Saul and Saint Paul.

RENÉ DESCARTES

I was March 31st, 1596 in La Haye en Touraine, Kingdom of France.

I am well-known for my work in both philosophy and mathematics.

I am the father of modern philosophy.

“I think, therefore I am.”

JOHN LOCKE

I was born August 29th, 1632.

Along with Thomas Jefferson, I am responsible for not having nobility in America.

I believe in three “natural rights”: life, liberty and lineage.

I am considered the father of Liberalism.