There are numerous foundational philosophers in Western Civilization that have shaped the many disciplines in and surrounding philosophy continuously of the past 2500 years of global history. The following is merely a sampling of some of those who have formed both complimentary and developmental skills in the various aspects of philosophy.

Augustine of Hippo  (354-430 AD)

Augustine of Hippo is commonly referred to in Christian circles as St. Augustine. He is one of the most noted and quoted theologians and apologist of the Christian faith.  During his earlier pre-Christian life he was strongly influenced and directly associated with Manichaeism, and taught rhetoric throughout Italy and northern Africa.

After his conversion to Christianity at Milan, Italy in 387 Ad he redirected his entire life to the development of Christian thought, theology and philosophy. He is best noted for his doctrine of “original sin”, “predestination and freewill” and his philosophical thesis on the perfection (inerrancy) of the Christian Scriptures – specifically the New Testament canon.

Augustine said, “The canonical books are entirely free of falsehood.[1]” This was a philosophy that foundational guided his study and teaching on Christian doctrine and thought.

The culmination of his work has remained as a constant amongst theologians, scholars and philosophers from many disciplines down through the last two millennia. He is most noted for two of his books – “Confessions” and “The City of God”            

Francis Bacon   (1561-

Francis Bacon started his productive life in the study of science initiating many of the aspects of what we now know as modern scientific laws. He is known in some philosophical groups as the father of empiricism, a strand in philosophy that attempts to tie knowledge to experience.[2]

Others attribute the philosophical work of Bacon as one of the greatest contributions to the industrial age. He authored numerous books and essays on religion, morality and civil responsibility.

His work is often considered to be highly esoteric and thus he has been closely connected to various fraternal orders and lodges that adhere to secret rituals and practices. Many legends containing mysticism and occult ideals are connected with his philosophy of life as well as his literary works       

Epicurus  (341 – 270 BC)

The philosophy of Epicurus was primarily based on what can be seen and experienced in the here and the now. The concept of avoiding pain and problematic situations and issues were all part of the philosophical lifestyle he promoted and attempted to personally experience.

It was his thought that what wasn’t tangible was more than likely problematic and self- indulgence was the key to happiness. He was thought to be an atheist and a fatalist, meaning that there was probably no afterlife. Those who adhere to his specific philosophical arguments are referred to as Epicureans. 

John Locke  (1632 – 1704 AD)

John Locke was a philosopher of humanism. He was a definitive influence on Thomas Jefferson’s authorship of the Declaration of Independence. Locke is granted the origination of the three natural rights proclaimed in the Jefferson’s “Declaration” – those being life, liberty and estate (the pursuit of happiness).      

 He is considered by many philosophers to be the “Father of Liberalism”. He promoted the ideas of equality of all men, especially in the realm of financial abilities and holdings. His teachings on democracy which Jefferson and many other enlightenment thinkers adopted, probably did more to eliminate nobility in the New England 18^th century colonies than other influence of that era.   

Socrates (469-399 BC)

Socrates was one of the most important and foundational of the Greek philosophers of antiquity. He represents a noted transition into self-critical thought in the philosophical process. His philosophical work was extended by two of his notorious students – Plato and Aristotle.

Aristotle was not directly acquainted with Socrates, although his relationship with Plato and others among Socrates’ associates must have furnished him with significant knowledge about him.[3] Aristotle, like Plato recognized the immense value of the work Socrates had and continued the processes in way which others could apply to their lives and philosophical developments.