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Founder of the Eleatic school of philosophy, he argued for the unity of being and that change and motion are mere illusions.

A Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. He emphasized living a life of virtue in agreement with nature, famous for his ascetic lifestyle and his challenge to the conventional values of society.

The founder of Stoicism, a philosophy advocating the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

Pre-Socratic philosopher who originated the cosmogenic theory of the four Classical elements (earth, air, fire, water). He was also one of the earliest proponents of the idea that life arose from the interplay of elements.

Pre-Socratic philosopher who proposed that life began in the sea and that early forms of life gradually moved to land. He also speculated about the boundless nature of the universe.

Ancient Ionian Greek philosopher, best known for the Pythagorean theorem in mathematics. He founded a movement with religious, political and philosophical tenets known as Pythagoreanism.

Considered the first philosopher in the Greek tradition. He is credited with the prediction of a solar eclipse and theorized that water is the fundamental substance of the world.

First Sophist philosopher who asserted that 'Man is the measure of all things', indicating that there is no absolute truth but that which individuals deem to be the truth.

Pre-Socratic philosopher best known for formulating an atomic theory of the universe. He was also known for his formulation of the moral and ethical principle of 'cheerfulness'.

Student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founded the Academy in Athens. He is famous for the Theory of Forms and his works including 'The Republic', discussing justice, order, and character.

Pre-Socratic philosopher who introduced the concept of Nous (mind or intellect) as an ordering force in the cosmos. He also posited the existence of infinite, divisible particles.

Developed the Socratic Method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. He had no written works but is known through the accounts of later philosophers like Plato.

Founder of the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism. He taught that the purpose of life is to seek happiness and peace through knowledge, friendship, and living a modest life.

Pre-Socratic philosopher known for his doctrine that change is central to the universe, summarized in the phrase 'Panta Rhei' meaning 'everything flows'. He believed in the unity of opposites.