David Hume
Hume is important to history because he taught us that belief should be earned. Let confidence rise with evidence, logic, testing, and lived experience.
Anchors
The chapter anchors of 30 philosophers.
Baruch Spinoza
16 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 25: Spinoza and Monism The Dutch philosopher Spinoza was a lens grinder by profession, a proponent of Rationalism, and an early founder of Enlightenment. My favorite concept of Spinoza’s is that God is nature, and nature is God. For me, whenever I read God in prayers and such I
Augustine of Hippo
Life is full of hard choices. In situational ethics, clear-cut right and wrong tend to give way to reducing harm or choosing the lesser of two evils.
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Immanuel Kant
12 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 28: Kant and Kantianism The German philosopher Immanuel Kant (22 April 1724 – 12 February 1804) was a central figure of the Enlightenment which put reason as the tool of choice when discussing God, nature, and humanity. Some of my favorite translated quotes include: All our knowledge begins with
Epicurus
Live better by building a life of care, friendship, and shared dignity. Epicureanism reminds us that flourishing is not a solo project. The people around you shape your peace, your joy, and your moral life.
Pyrrho of Elis
95 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 10: Pyrrho of Elis and Skepticism Pyrrho, the skeptic, believed no one knows anything. Everything can be questioned. The best approach is to keep an open mind. Like Socrates, Pyrrho himself left no writings. We know of his teachings through his students and later writers. Phrases that best represent
Aristotle
A strong mind can examine an idea without immediately believing or rejecting it. Understanding comes before judgment.
Plato
Plato reminds us that what we see is not always the whole story. Humans use abstract ideas, categories, and ideals to make sense of the changing world around us.
Marcus Aurelius
Stoicism is a philosophy of self-command centered on virtue while focusing your effort on what is yours to control.
Confucius
Make goodness a normal part of your identity. Confucius taught that a better life begins when respect, duty, kindness, and self-discipline become normal habits.