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Book Legendary Philosophers

    Book Details:
  • Author : Charles River Charles River Editors
  • Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Release : 2017-12-29
  • ISBN : 9781982096106
  • Pages : 72 pages

Download or read book Legendary Philosophers written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-12-29 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Discusses Aristotle's philosophy and ideas about knowledge, reason, logic, politics, rhetoric, science, metaphysics, and more. *Includes busts and other art depicting Aristotle and other important people in his life. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "All men by nature desire to know. An indication of this is the delight we take in our senses; for even apart from their usefulness they are loved for themselves; and above all others the sense of sight. For not only with a view to action, but even when we are not going to do anything, we prefer sight to almost everything else. The reason is that this, most of all the senses, makes us know and brings to light many differences between things." - Aristotle, Metaphysics Among all the knowledge and pursuits handed down by our ancestors, few were as important as philosophy, which literally taught people how to think and became directly responsible for ideas like reason and empiricism. Men like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle formed the backbone of Western philosophy, and subsequent philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Thomas Aquinas expounded on previous philosophy. In Charles River Editors' Legendary Philosophers series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of the most important philosophers in history in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. Alongside Plato, Aristotle is, without question, one of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers and arguably the greatest icon of ancient thought. His life and work expanded rapidly and extensively across the ancient world, helped in part by the fact he tutored Alexander the Great, he was a recognized and celebrated intellectual force during all of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Furthermore, after Aristotle, Greek thought and political influence began a rapid decline, and the cultivation of knowledge, so important during the classic period, slowly but surely began to fade, making Aristotle the last of ancient Greece's great philosophers. Aristotle's influence on Western philosophical thought is marked by an extensive list of crucial issues that both signaled the way forward but at the same time boggled philosophers' minds throughout the centuries. Aristotle's reflections on Being, as well as his rigorous Logic, were his most important philosophical legacy, but he was also an intellectual in the broadest sense of the word. His interests went beyond metaphysical questions and into practical life and practical knowledge, from ethics to politics, rhetoric and the sciences, all of which left a profound impact on Western political thought and ethics. Naturally, this has also made him one of the foundations of knowledge and philosophical thought that subsequent philosophers relied on when forming and refining their own philosophies. Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Aristotle chronicles Aristotle's life, but it also discusses his canon of work, examines his philosophy in depth, and analyzes his enduring legacy. Along with pictures of historic art depicting important people, you will learn about Aristotle like you never have before, in no time at all.

Book Legendary Philosophers  the Life and Philosophy of Aristotle

Download or read book Legendary Philosophers the Life and Philosophy of Aristotle written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Discusses Aristotle's philosophy and ideas about knowledge, reason, logic, politics, rhetoric, science, metaphysics, and more. *Includes busts and other art depicting Aristotle and other important people in his life. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "All men by nature desire to know. An indication of this is the delight we take in our senses; for even apart from their usefulness they are loved for themselves; and above all others the sense of sight. For not only with a view to action, but even when we are not going to do anything, we prefer sight to almost everything else. The reason is that this, most of all the senses, makes us know and brings to light many differences between things." - Aristotle, Metaphysics Among all the knowledge and pursuits handed down by our ancestors, few were as important as philosophy, which literally taught people how to think and became directly responsible for ideas like reason and empiricism. Men like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle formed the backbone of Western philosophy, and subsequent philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Thomas Aquinas expounded on previous philosophy. In Charles River Editors' Legendary Philosophers series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of the most important philosophers in history in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. Alongside Plato, Aristotle is, without question, one of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers and arguably the greatest icon of ancient thought. His life and work expanded rapidly and extensively across the ancient world, helped in part by the fact he tutored Alexander the Great, he was a recognized and celebrated intellectual force during all of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Furthermore, after Aristotle, Greek thought and political influence began a rapid decline, and the cultivation of knowledge, so important during the classic period, slowly but surely began to fade, making Aristotle the last of ancient Greece's great philosophers. Aristotle's influence on Western philosophical thought is marked by an extensive list of crucial issues that both signaled the way forward but at the same time boggled philosophers' minds throughout the centuries. Aristotle's reflections on Being, as well as his rigorous Logic, were his most important philosophical legacy, but he was also an intellectual in the broadest sense of the word. His interests went beyond metaphysical questions and into practical life and practical knowledge, from ethics to politics, rhetoric and the sciences, all of which left a profound impact on Western political thought and ethics. Naturally, this has also made him one of the foundations of knowledge and philosophical thought that subsequent philosophers relied on when forming and refining their own philosophies. Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Aristotle chronicles Aristotle's life, but it also discusses his canon of work, examines his philosophy in depth, and analyzes his enduring legacy. Along with pictures of historic art depicting important people, you will learn about Aristotle like you never have before, in no time at all.

Book Legendary Philosophers

    Book Details:
  • Author : Charles River Charles River Editors
  • Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Release : 2017-12-29
  • ISBN : 9781982096762
  • Pages : 72 pages

Download or read book Legendary Philosophers written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-12-29 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Discusses the mysteries and controversies surrounding Socrates' life and death. *Examines Socrates' philosophy as portrayed by Plato and Xenophon. *Analyzes the debate over whether Plato portrayed Socrates accurately. *Includes busts and other art depicting Socrates and other important people in his life. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing, for when I don't know what justice is, I'll hardly know whether it is a kind of virtue or not, or whether a person who has it is happy or unhappy." - attributed to Socrates in Plato's The Republic In 427 B.C., the Ancient Greek city-state of Athens was flourishing. Approximately 80 years earlier, the Athenians had formed the first self-representative democracy in history, the Peloponnesian War against Sparta had only just started, and Socrates was only beginning to lay the foundation of what would become Western philosophy. None of Socrates' works survived antiquity, so most of what is known about him came from the writings of his followers, most notably Plato. What is known about Socrates is that he seemed to make a career out of philosophy, and Plato was intent on following in his footsteps. Yet for all of the influence of Socrates' life on his followers, it was Socrates' death around 399 B.C. that truly shaped them. Plato was so embittered by Socrates' trial in Athens that he completely soured on Athenian democracy, and Aristotle would later criticize politicians who relied on rhetoric; when Aristotle's own life was threatened, he fled Greece and allegedly remarked, "I will not allow the Athenians to sin twice against philosophy." Since Socrates wrote nothing down, or at least nothing that survived antiquity, there has been a wealth of scholarship ever since attempting to determine the person to whom the philosophical positions of the various (and genuine) Socratic dialogues of Plato's should be attributed. Even though Aristotle insisted that Socrates only cared about ethics and held no metaphysical theory of the kind that Plato propounded, the attempt to read the ugly but wise Socrates via the Platonic dialogues continued up to the 20th century. The change of tone, style and philosophical topics seemed to be a big argument that Socratic views are to be found in the early Platonic works, whereas later works bear the stamp of Plato's personal views. The Platonic scholar Gregory Vlastos introduced a developmentalist position which has almost become an orthodoxy in Platonic studies, by moving the discussion from the historical Socrates to Plato as a philosopher. According to developmentalism, if the views in the dialogue are not spelled out only to be refuted afterward, then the person they should be attributed to is Plato and not Socrates. These philosophical views developed over a period of time, which also justifies the various inconsistencies and outright rejection of Plato's own metaphysical statements in subsequent dialogues. Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates chronicles the life, death, and mysteries surrounding Ancient Greece's first great philosopher. Along with pictures of historic art depicting important people, you will learn about Socrates like you never have before, in no time at all.

Book Aristotle

    Book Details:
  • Author : John Sellars
  • Publisher : Penguin Press
  • Release : 2024-02-29
  • ISBN : 9780241615645
  • Pages : 0 pages

Download or read book Aristotle written by John Sellars and published by Penguin Press. This book was released on 2024-02-29 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is in Athens a rather plain ruin; a simple courtyard lined with fragments of wall. Yet, this little patch of land has a claim to be the most significant place in human history. It is the Lyceum, site of Aristotle's school- here the philosopher wandered, discussing his life's work with students, proposing answers to the mysteries of the human condition. Today, it can be difficult to fully comprehend the staggering influence of these lessons. Aristotle's observations about the world around him and his reflections on the nature of knowledge laid the foundations for all empirical science. His study of rational thought formed the basis of formal logic, the cornerstone of philosophical investigation. His examination of Greek city-states gave us political science, while his analysis of drama remains a mainstay of literature courses around the world. In lucid prose, acclaimed philosopher John Sellars takes us on a journey through Aristotle's thought, vividly bringing to life the key ideas, and demonstrating that the famous philosopher's capacity for curiosity continues to offer us all a vision of more fulfilled lives. Aristotle has lessons still to teach.

Book Legendary Philosophers  the Life and Philosophy of Socrates

Download or read book Legendary Philosophers the Life and Philosophy of Socrates written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Discusses the mysteries and controversies surrounding Socrates' life and death. *Examines Socrates' philosophy as portrayed by Plato and Xenophon. *Analyzes the debate over whether Plato portrayed Socrates accurately. *Includes busts and other art depicting Socrates and other important people in his life. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing, for when I don't know what justice is, I'll hardly know whether it is a kind of virtue or not, or whether a person who has it is happy or unhappy." - attributed to Socrates in Plato's The Republic In 427 B.C., the Ancient Greek city-state of Athens was flourishing. Approximately 80 years earlier, the Athenians had formed the first self-representative democracy in history, the Peloponnesian War against Sparta had only just started, and Socrates was only beginning to lay the foundation of what would become Western philosophy. None of Socrates' works survived antiquity, so most of what is known about him came from the writings of his followers, most notably Plato. What is known about Socrates is that he seemed to make a career out of philosophy, and Plato was intent on following in his footsteps. Yet for all of the influence of Socrates' life on his followers, it was Socrates' death around 399 B.C. that truly shaped them. Plato was so embittered by Socrates' trial in Athens that he completely soured on Athenian democracy, and Aristotle would later criticize politicians who relied on rhetoric; when Aristotle's own life was threatened, he fled Greece and allegedly remarked, "I will not allow the Athenians to sin twice against philosophy." Since Socrates wrote nothing down, or at least nothing that survived antiquity, there has been a wealth of scholarship ever since attempting to determine the person to whom the philosophical positions of the various (and genuine) Socratic dialogues of Plato's should be attributed. Even though Aristotle insisted that Socrates only cared about ethics and held no metaphysical theory of the kind that Plato propounded, the attempt to read the ugly but wise Socrates via the Platonic dialogues continued up to the 20th century. The change of tone, style and philosophical topics seemed to be a big argument that Socratic views are to be found in the early Platonic works, whereas later works bear the stamp of Plato's personal views. The Platonic scholar Gregory Vlastos introduced a developmentalist position which has almost become an orthodoxy in Platonic studies, by moving the discussion from the historical Socrates to Plato as a philosopher. According to developmentalism, if the views in the dialogue are not spelled out only to be refuted afterward, then the person they should be attributed to is Plato and not Socrates. These philosophical views developed over a period of time, which also justifies the various inconsistencies and outright rejection of Plato's own metaphysical statements in subsequent dialogues. Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates chronicles the life, death, and mysteries surrounding Ancient Greece's first great philosopher. Along with pictures of historic art depicting important people, you will learn about Socrates like you never have before, in no time at all.

Book The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher

Download or read book The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher written by Aristotle and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2023-08-12 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher is a comprehensive collection of philosophical treatises that have had a profound impact on Western thought. Aristotle's writing is characterized by a logical and systematic approach to various topics such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and rhetoric. His emphasis on empirical observation and the concept of the Golden Mean are central to his philosophical beliefs. This collection showcases Aristotle's enduring influence on Western philosophy and his contribution to the development of logical reasoning and scientific inquiry. Written in a clear and concise style, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in classical philosophy and its foundational concepts. Aristotle, a student of Plato, was a prolific writer and a renowned philosopher in ancient Greece. His works have influenced numerous thinkers throughout history and continue to be studied and debated today. Aristotle's rigorous scholarship and analytical approach have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the greatest philosophers of all time. His deep understanding of human nature and ethical principles are evident in his writings, making him a timeless figure in the history of philosophy. I highly recommend The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher to readers looking to delve into the philosophical insights of one of the most influential thinkers in history. This collection provides a valuable opportunity to explore Aristotle's profound ideas and their enduring relevance in contemporary discourse.

Book Aristotle

    Book Details:
  • Author : George Grote
  • Publisher : Prabhat Prakashan
  • Release : 2023-10-01
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 2093 pages

Download or read book Aristotle written by George Grote and published by Prabhat Prakashan. This book was released on 2023-10-01 with total page 2093 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aristotle by George Grote: Aristotle is a biographical work by George Grote that explores the life, works, and philosophical ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. Grote provides a comprehensive examination of Aristotle's contributions to various fields, including logic, ethics, politics, and natural sciences. Through meticulous research and analysis, Grote offers readers a deeper understanding of Aristotle's intellectual legacy and his enduring influence on Western thought. Key Aspects of the Book "Aristotle": Biographical Exploration: The book delves into Aristotle's life, tracing his upbringing, education, and his relationships with notable figures of his time. Philosophical Ideas: Grote explores Aristotle's philosophical concepts, including his theories on logic, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of his intellectual contributions. Historical Context: Grote situates Aristotle's life and works within the broader historical and cultural context of ancient Greece, shedding light on the intellectual climate of the time. George Grote (1794-1871) was an English historian and philosopher known for his work on ancient Greece. His extensive writings on Greek history and philosophy, including the biography Aristotle, played a significant role in shaping the study of ancient Greek thought. Grote's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis continue to be valued by scholars and readers interested in the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece.

Book The Works of Aristotle  The Famous Philosopher  Set of 4 Books  Ethics  The Athenian Constitution  The Categories  The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher

Download or read book The Works of Aristotle The Famous Philosopher Set of 4 Books Ethics The Athenian Constitution The Categories The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher written by Aristotle and published by Prabhat Prakashan. This book was released on 2022-04-11 with total page 1450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Legendary Philosophers

    Book Details:
  • Author : Charles River Charles River Editors
  • Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Release : 2017-12-29
  • ISBN : 9781982096816
  • Pages : 64 pages

Download or read book Legendary Philosophers written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-12-29 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Discusses Plato's philosophy and ideas about knowledge, reason, Forms, political science, rhetoric and more. *Includes busts and other art depicting Plato and important people and events. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy, and political greatness and wisdom meet in one, and those commoner natures who pursue either to the exclusion of the other are compelled to stand aside, cities will never have rest from their evils - no, nor the human race, as I believe - and then only will this our State have a possibility of life and behold the light of day." - Plato, The Republic A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? Among all the knowledge and pursuits handed down by our ancestors, few were as important as philosophy, which literally taught people how to think and became directly responsible for ideas like reason and empiricism. Men like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle formed the backbone of Western philosophy, and subsequent philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Thomas Aquinas expounded on previous philosophy. In Charles River Editors' Legendary Philosophers series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of the most important philosophers in history in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In 427 B.C., the Ancient Greek city-state of Athens was flourishing. Approximately 80 years earlier, the Athenians had formed the first self-representative democracy in history, the Peloponnesian War against Sparta had only just started, and Socrates was only beginning to lay the foundation of what would become Western philosophy. That year Plato was born to a wealthy family, and with an uncle who was close friends with Socrates, Plato was seemingly destined to become a philosopher. By the end of his life, Plato had indeed become the foremost philosopher of his time, and perhaps the most famous philosopher in Western history. None of Socrates' works survived antiquity, so most of what is known about him came from the writings of his followers, most notably Plato. What is known about Socrates is that he seemed to make a career out of philosophy, and Plato was intent on following in his footsteps. Yet for all of the influence of Socrates' life on Plato, it was Socrates' death around 399 B.C. that truly shaped him. Plato was so embittered by Socrates' trial in Athens that he completely soured on Athenian democracy, and he began to travel around the Mediterranean, studying topics like mathematics, honing his approach to philosophical thinking, and continuing to refine his philosophical beliefs. About a decade later, Plato returned to Athens and founded his famous Platonic Academy around 387 B.C., which he oversaw for 40 years until his death. One of Plato's philosophical beliefs was that writing down teachings was less valuable than passing them down orally, and several of Plato's writings are responses to previous writings of his, so Plato's personally held beliefs are hard to discern. However, Plato educated several subsequent philosophers, chief among them Aristotle, and his writings eventually formed the backbone of Western philosophy. Legendary Philosophers: The Life and Philosophy of Plato chronicles Plato's life, but it also discusses his canon of work, examines his philosophy in depth, and analyzes his enduring legacy. Along with pictures of important people in his life, you will learn about Plato like you never have before, in no time at all.

Book The Life and Times of Aristotle

Download or read book The Life and Times of Aristotle written by Jim Whiting and published by Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-09 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Science wasn't the only area that Aristotle examined. He founded one of the most important schools of the ancient world. He offered ideas on the best way to live. He developed a theory of drama that many modern screenwriters follow. He studied scores of different systems of government. Some of the conclusions from this study are reflected in the U.S. Constitution. This all-around genius had a huge impact on history.

Book Aristotle

    Book Details:
  • Author : A. E. Taylor
  • Publisher : DigiCat
  • Release : 2022-05-29
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 96 pages

Download or read book Aristotle written by A. E. Taylor and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2022-05-29 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aristotle is one of the significant works of the British Neoplatonist A.E. Taylor. He gives a good summary of Aristotle's philosophy. Taylor discusses the similarities and differences between Aristotle and Plato and covers the influence of Aristotle on medieval thought and the further development of science and philosophy.

Book The Works of Aristotle  the Famous Philosopher

Download or read book The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher written by Aristotle and published by . This book was released on 1974 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book The Works of Aristotle  The Famous Philosopher

Download or read book The Works of Aristotle The Famous Philosopher written by Aristotle and published by Prabhat Prakashan. This book was released on 2023-10-01 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embark on a timeless journey through the profound insights and philosophical wisdom of the renowned thinker Aristotle with "The Works of Aristotle, the Famous Philosopher." This comprehensive collection offers readers a rare opportunity to delve into the mind of one of history's greatest intellectuals. Discover the breadth and depth of Aristotle's contributions to philosophy, science, ethics, politics, and more as you explore his seminal works. From "Nicomachean Ethics" to "Politics," from "Metaphysics" to "Poetics," this anthology encompasses the full spectrum of Aristotle's thought, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of his ideas and theories. As you delve into Aristotle's writings, you'll encounter profound reflections on the nature of existence, the pursuit of knowledge, the principles of ethics and morality, and the complexities of human society. With each page, you'll gain new insights into the fundamental questions that have preoccupied philosophers for centuries. Since its publication, "The Works of Aristotle, the Famous Philosopher" has been hailed as a cornerstone of Western intellectual thought, earning praise for its depth of insight, clarity of expression, and enduring relevance. Its influence extends far beyond the realm of philosophy, shaping disciplines ranging from science and politics to literature and aesthetics. Whether you're a student of philosophy, a scholar of the classics, or simply a curious reader seeking to expand your intellectual horizons, "The Works of Aristotle" offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. So don't miss your chance to engage with the ideas of one of history's greatest minds. Order your copy today and embark on a journey of discovery with Aristotle as your guide.

Book The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher

Download or read book The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher written by Aristotle and published by Pinnacle Press. This book was released on 2017-05-26 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Book Aristotle

    Book Details:
  • Author : George Grote
  • Publisher : Namaskar Books
  • Release :
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 2289 pages

Download or read book Aristotle written by George Grote and published by Namaskar Books. This book was released on with total page 2289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Aristotle in 90 Minutes

Download or read book Aristotle in 90 Minutes written by Paul Strathern and published by Ivan R. Dee. This book was released on 1996-09-01 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character....I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one’s friends to Western civilization.”—Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe. “Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them....I find them hard to stop reading.”—Richard Bernstein, New York Times. “Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise.”—Jim Holt, Wall Street Journal. These brief and enlightening explorations of our greatest thinkers bring their ideas to life in entertaining and accessible fashion. Philosophical thought is deciphered and made comprehensive and interesting to almost everyone. Far from being a novelty, each book is a highly refined appraisal of the philosopher and his work, authoritative and clearly presented.

Book The Ancient Worlds Most Influential Philosophers

Download or read book The Ancient Worlds Most Influential Philosophers written by Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-08-30 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures Many people argue that Confucius is the most influential person of all time, and if having a significant effect on the greatest number of people is the criterion, he may very well be. China is one of the largest and oldest civilizations on earth, and Confucius has been influential there from almost the beginning: the first Chinese dynasty was founded around 1600 BCE and Confucius lived from 551-479 BCE. There is little evidence that he thought of himself as a harbinger of any kind, but shortly after his death, writings, sayings, and theories based on his life and ideas spread throughout China and even took hold of the imperial court of one of the most powerful and important dynasties, the Han (206 BCE-220 CE). It was during the Han Dynasty that Confucianism became closely tied to state affairs. None of Socrates' works survived antiquity, so most of what is known about him came from the writings of his followers, most notably Plato. What is known about Socrates is that he seemed to make a career out of philosophy, and Plato was intent on following in his footsteps. Yet for all of the influence of Socrates' life on his followers, it was Socrates' death around 399 B.C. that truly shaped them. Plato was so embittered by Socrates' trial in Athens that he completely soured on Athenian democracy, and Aristotle would later criticize politicians who relied on rhetoric; when Aristotle's own life was threatened, he fled Greece and allegedly remarked, "I will not allow the Athenians to sin twice against philosophy." Since Socrates wrote nothing down, or at least nothing that survived antiquity, there has been a wealth of scholarship ever since attempting to determine the person to whom the philosophical positions of the various (and genuine) Socratic dialogues of Plato's should be attributed. Even though Aristotle insisted that Socrates only cared about ethics and held no metaphysical theory of the kind that Plato propounded, the attempt to read the ugly but wise Socrates via the Platonic dialogues continued up to the 20th century. About a decade after Socrates' death, Plato returned to Athens and founded his famous Platonic Academy around 387 B.C., which he oversaw for 40 years until his death. One of Plato's philosophical beliefs was that writing down teachings was less valuable than passing them down orally, and several of Plato's writings are responses to previous writings of his, so Plato's personally held beliefs are hard to discern. However, Plato educated several subsequent philosophers, chief among them Aristotle, and his writings eventually formed the backbone of Western philosophy. Aristotle's influence on Western philosophical thought is marked by an extensive list of crucial issues that both signaled the way forward but at the same time boggled philosophers' minds throughout the centuries. Aristotle's reflections on Being, as well as his rigorous Logic, were his most important philosophical legacy, but he was also an intellectual in the broadest sense of the word. His interests went beyond metaphysical questions and into practical life and practical knowledge, from ethics to politics, rhetoric and the sciences, all of which left a profound impact on Western political thought and ethics. Naturally, this has also made him one of the foundations of knowledge and philosophical thought that subsequent philosophers relied on when forming and refining their own philosophies. Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.) was one of the most famous Romans in his day, and posterity has been even kinder to him. Cicero was a legend in his own time for his oratory abilities, which he used to persuade fellow Senators and denounce enemies like Catiline and Mark Antony, but he was also one of Rome's most prodigious writers and political philosophers. Alongside Pericles, Cicero was one of antiquity's greatest politicians, and he has remained one of the most influential statesmen.