The Most Famous Philosopher of All Time, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the philosopher you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 28, 2024 07:53

Debates about which philosopher has had the greatest impact on the thought and culture of the world are longstanding. By ranking philosophers, we can gain a clearer view of whose ideas continue to shape modern perspectives and societal developments. This process enlightens learners about diverse philosophical underpinnings and encourages a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary dialogues. Through your votes, a dynamic list emerges, reflecting collective opinions and cultural values at any given time. This active participation not only democratises historical recognition but also engages you in an intellectual legacy. Share your views and help determine which philosopher's work resonates most strongly across ages and geographies.

Who Is the Most Famous Philosopher of All Time?

1

59
votes
Source

Plato

Founder of the Platonist school of thought and the Academy, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.
- Born: 428/427 or 424/423 BC
- Died: 348/347 BC
In other topics
2

42
votes
Source

Aristotle

Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great.
- Born: 384 BC
- Died: 322 BC
In other topics
3

20
votes
Source

Immanuel Kant

German philosopher who is a central figure in modern philosophy.
- Born: 1724
- Died: 1804
In other topics
4

12
votes
Source

Friedrich Nietzsche

German philosopher, cultural critic, composer, poet, and philologist.
- Born: 1844
- Died: 1900
In other topics
5

1
votes
Source

Confucius

Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period.
- Born: 551 BC
- Died: 479 BC
In other topics
6

0
votes
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Karl Marx

German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary.
- Born: 1818
- Died: 1883
In other topics
7

0
votes
Source

Rene Descartes

French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, dubbed the father of modern philosophy.
- Born: 1596
- Died: 1650
In other topics
- Position 9 in the ranking of the most famous INTP
8

0
votes
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Socrates

Classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy.
- Born: 470 BC
- Died: 399 BC
In other topics
9

0
votes
Source

Thomas Aquinas

Italian Dominican friar, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church, immensely influential philosopher and theologian.
- Born: 1225
- Died: 1274
In other topics
- Position 7 in the ranking of the most famous priest
- Position 2 in the ranking of the most famous Thomas
10

0
votes
Source

John Locke

English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers.
- Born: 1632
- Died: 1704

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous philosopher of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or philosopher is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1675 views
134 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each philosopher once every 24 hours. The rank of each philosopher is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More about the Most Famous Philosopher of All Time

Rank #1 for the most famous philosopher of all time: Plato (Source)

Philosophers have shaped human thought for centuries. Among them, one stands out as the most famous. This philosopher's ideas continue to influence modern thinking. They asked questions about life, existence, and knowledge. Their work laid the groundwork for many fields of study.

This philosopher lived in ancient times. They spent much of their life teaching and writing. Their ideas were radical for their time. They challenged the status quo and encouraged people to think differently. Their method involved asking questions to stimulate critical thinking. This approach is still used in education today.

Their writings cover a wide range of topics. They explored ethics, politics, and metaphysics. They believed in the power of reason and logic. They thought that through rational thought, humans could understand the world and improve their lives. Their work emphasized the importance of seeking truth and knowledge.

This philosopher's influence extended beyond their lifetime. Many of their students went on to become great thinkers themselves. Their ideas spread and evolved over time. They inspired countless other philosophers, scientists, and scholars. Their work has been translated into many languages and studied around the world.

Despite their fame, this philosopher faced opposition. Their ideas were controversial and not always accepted. They were often at odds with the authorities of their day. This led to conflicts and, at times, persecution. Yet, they remained committed to their beliefs and continued to teach and write.

The legacy of this philosopher is immense. Their ideas have shaped Western thought and continue to be relevant. They are studied in schools and universities. Their work has influenced many areas of modern life, from politics to science to ethics. They have become a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and the power of the human mind.

In summary, this philosopher's contributions to human thought are unparalleled. They challenged people to think critically and seek truth. Their ideas have stood the test of time and continue to inspire. They remind us of the importance of questioning and learning. Their legacy lives on in the minds of those who study and appreciate their work.