The Most Famous Roman Philosopher, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the philosopher you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 4, 2024 07:12
In ancient Rome, philosophers shaped the foundations of Western thought, influencing politics, ethics, and personal virtue. The corridors of history echo with their debates and ideas, but who had the greatest impact? By ranking these historical figures, we not only reconnect with their ancient wisdom but also appreciate their relevance in today's world.
This interactive list relies on your votes to determine who stands out as the most influential Roman philosopher. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of whose teachings resonate most powerfully in our modern era. Your participation directly shapes this living historical document, shedding light on the philosophers whose ideas continue to inspire, challenge, and guide us.
Who Is the Most Famous Roman Philosopher?
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171votesMarcus Aurelius is a Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, known for his work "Meditations" which is still widely read today.Marcus Aurelius in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Stoic
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Caesar
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235votesSeneca is a stoic philosopher who wrote extensively on ethics and morality, and was also a tutor to Emperor Nero.
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313votesCicero is a prominent statesman and orator who also wrote extensively on philosophy, including works on ethics, politics, and rhetoric.
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417votesEpictetus is a stoic philosopher who taught about virtue, reason, and self-control, and whose teachings were recorded by his student Arrian.
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511votesLucretius is a poet and philosopher who wrote "On the Nature of Things," an epic poem that explores the nature of the universe and the role of humanity within it.
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63votesPlutarch is a biographer and philosopher who wrote about the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, and also explored philosophical topics like ethics and virtue.
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710votesPlotinus is a philosopher who founded the school of neoplatonism, which sought to reconcile Platonic philosophy with aspects of Aristotelian and Stoic thought.
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82votesBoethius is a philosopher and statesman who wrote "The Consolation of Philosophy," a work that explores the nature of happiness, suffering, and the human condition.
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94votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainAugustine of Hippo is a Christian theologian and philosopher who wrote extensively on topics like free will, original sin, and the nature of God. -
105votesPorphyry is a philosopher who wrote about topics like metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of the soul, and who was also a critic of Christianity.
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Ranking factors for famous philosopher
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Historical ImpactConsider the philosopher's influence and contributions to Roman society and beyond. Look at their ideas, theories, or teachings that have had a lasting impact on philosophy, politics, ethics, or other fields.
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Works and PublicationsEvaluate the philosopher's body of work, including the scope, depth, and quality of their writings. Consider the influence and popularity of their works both during their time and throughout history.
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Reputation and PopularityAssess the philosopher's reputation and recognition among their peers, contemporaries, and subsequent generations. Consider their prominence and recognition within the philosophical community and beyond.
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LegacyEvaluate the philosopher's lasting legacy and the continuity of their ideas. Consider how their ideas have been interpreted, debated, and transmitted by later philosophers or schools of thought.
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Originality and InnovationConsider the originality and innovative thinking displayed by the philosopher. Assess whether they introduced novel ideas or approaches to philosophy, challenging existing thoughts and conventions.
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Influence on Roman CultureAnalyze the philosopher's impact on Roman culture, their role in shaping Roman intellectual discourse, and their relationship with other influential figures of the time.
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Enduring Philosophical QuestionsExamine the philosopher's exploration of enduring philosophical questions, such as the nature of reality, ethics, human nature, or the existence of God. Consider the depth and relevance of their insights into these fundamental inquiries.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Roman philosopher. 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
- 2013 views
- 168 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 information on most famous roman philosopher
The Roman Empire is known for its vast contributions to the fields of literature, philosophy, and culture. Among the many notable figures of this era were the philosophers who helped shape the intellectual landscape of the time. In particular, the Roman philosophers were celebrated for their contributions to the study of ethics, metaphysics, and logic.
One of the most famous Roman philosophers was Marcus Tullius Cicero, a politician and philosopher who lived during the late Roman Republic. Cicero was known for his eloquent writing and speeches, which he used to advocate for the principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. His works on rhetoric, ethics, and political philosophy continue to be studied and admired today.
Another prominent Roman philosopher was Seneca the Younger, who lived during the first century AD. Seneca was a prolific writer and a leading figure in the Stoic school of philosophy. He wrote extensively on the nature of the universe, the importance of self-control, and the pursuit of wisdom. His works have been widely influential in the fields of ethics and psychology.
Other notable Roman philosophers include Epictetus, a former slave who became a prominent Stoic philosopher; Lucretius, a poet and philosopher who wrote on the nature of the universe; and Boethius, a philosopher and theologian who lived during the early Middle Ages.
Overall, the Roman philosophers made significant contributions to the development of philosophy and the intellectual traditions of Western civilization. Their works continue to be studied and admired today, and their influence can be seen in the works of later philosophers, thinkers, and
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