Plato (c. 428-348 BC)
Famous For: Platonic idealism & the theory of forms
Athenian native Plato, and his role in western philosophy can be traced back to when he was student of Socrates. He also excelled in mathematics, logic, ethics, rhetoric, and religion. He founded the Academy in Athens.
Socrates (c. 469-399 BC)
Famous For: the Socratic Method of logic and a founder of Western philosophy
His story began in his hometown of Athens, Greece but unfolded through the writings of his students and fellow philosophers. The field of ethics was the specialty of Socrates and introduced a concept that has been dubbed as elenchus, or the Socratic method. He contributed much to the field of logic and epistimology
Aristotle (384–322 BC)
Famous For: Aristotelian logic & theory of soul
The third member who has greatly influenced western philosophy, Aristotle provided ideas in the areas of aesthetics, ethics, logic, metaphysics, politics, and science. He was a student of Plato and teacher to Alexander the great. Nicomachean Ethics is one of the treatises that Aristotle wrote. He believed that ethics should be applied practically, not merely theorizing it.
John Dewey (1859-1952)
Famous For: for his ideas on pragmatism & educational progressivism
One of the first men to present the idea of pragmatism as a philosophical concept, Dewey also espoused Reflective Thinking. He believed in the philosophy of education, in which he views education as a “social continuity of life.” This is why he championed Educational Progressivism.
Emma Goldman (1869-1940)
Famous For: anarchist political philosophy
Goldman comes from the philosophical school of of anarchism.She was a vocal supporter of womens rights and other social issues. The school of anarchism believes a state is harmful, unnecessary, and undesirable, making Goldman, anti-state.