Introduction Throughout history, political philosophers have debated the nature of human beings and the best form of government to govern them. Two prominent figures in this debate are Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Both philosophers offer contrasting views on human nature and the role of...
Introduction In his seminal work “The Republic,” the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates contemplates the nature of justice and its significance in society. Socrates, known for his unique and probing method of questioning, presents a thought-provoking perspective on justice that challenges traditional notions and prompts further...
Introduction In Plato’s dialogue, “Crito,” Socrates is faced with a moral dilemma as he awaits his impending execution. His old friend Crito visits him in prison and offers him the opportunity to escape and avoid his sentence, but Socrates refuses, arguing that it would be...
The relationship between Aristotle and Alexander the Great is one of those tutor-student pairings in ancient history that really grabs your attention. Aristotle, a famous philosopher and scientist, was given the job of teaching young Alexander, who would later become a legendary military leader. This...
Locke and Hobbes: A Comparison When discussing political philosophy, two names that often come up are John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. While they may have had differing views on certain aspects, there are also some striking similarities between the two thinkers. One of the key...
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, is well-known for his contributions to ethics and his concept of eudaimonia. Eudaimonia, often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing,” represents the ultimate goal of human life according to Aristotle’s philosophy. This essay will delve into Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, its...
“The unexamined life is not worth living”. This quote by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates has been widely discussed and debated in the realm of philosophy and beyond. In this report, we will explore the meaning and implications of Socrates’ statement by examining his philosophical...
Introduction Socrates is considered one of the most important figures in Western philosophy. His life and teachings have had a profound impact on the development of philosophy, not only in his own time but also in contemporary thought. In this essay, we will explore Socrates’...
Plato was one of the most important philosophers in the Western tradition. He lived in the 4th century BCE and was a student of Socrates. Plato wrote extensively on many topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. His works, including The Republic and Symposium, continue...
The object of this analysis is the philosophical work of Socrates titled Crito. The author offers some compelling arguments about the moral authority of the state. It might seem inconsistent with another basic statement of the philosopher in the same work as well as some...
The famous philosophical proposition “Cogito, ergo sum,” or “I think, therefore I am,” is arguably one of the most enduring and influential ideas in the history of philosophy. Coined by the French philosopher René Descartes in the 17th century, this statement marks a pivotal moment...
The statement “Cogito, ergo sum” in Latin, or “I think, therefore I am” in English, is one of the most famous and enduring philosophical phrases in history. Coined by the French philosopher René Descartes in the 17th century, it serves as a foundational concept in...
Introduction The mind-body problem has been a central concern in philosophy for centuries, seeking to understand the relationship between the mental and physical aspects of human existence. René Descartes, a 17th-century French philosopher, made significant contributions to this debate with his theory of dualism. This...
The assertion that “religion is the opiate of the masses” is a provocative statement famously attributed to Karl Marx, the influential philosopher and political theorist. Marx’s view on religion, often paraphrased as a means of societal control and distraction, has generated extensive debate and analysis....
Introduction John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” is a foundational work in the field of philosophy, particularly in the realm of epistemology—the study of knowledge. In this essay, we will explore Locke’s perspective on the foundation of knowledge as he presents it in his...
“The Stranger” by Albert Camus is a classic novel that delves into the existential themes of absurdity, alienation, and the search for meaning in an indifferent world. Through the lens of the protagonist Meursault, Camus challenges conventional notions of morality and societal norms, prompting readers...
Introduction When we consider human beings and what makes us so different from other species on the planet, we see the complexity of our language, our social structures, our high intelligence, and our emotions and ability to have personal relationships unlike any seen within other...
Introduction The Greco-Roman thought, influenced by philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, emphasized the power of reason and logic in understanding the world and shaping individual lives. Plato’s theory of education, for instance, held that individuals should be educated to develop their rational faculties...
It is often said that we should ‘know ourselves’ in life. However it isn’t clear what sort of information this phrase is instructing us to formulate, or how to obtain it. We hear a great deal of advice that, in theory, is not always very...