THE

Group 1
PHILOSOPHERS
 Zeno of Citium
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Zeno of Citium
Zeno of Citium was a Greek
philosopher and the founder of
Stoicism, one of the most enduring
and practical schools of thought in
Western philosophy. His teachings,
developed in the bustling
marketplace of Athens (the Stoa
Poikile or "Painted Porch"),
focused on ethics, virtue, and
living in harmony with nature.
• Virtue is the Highest Good:

• Zeno taught that virtue—living a life of wisdom, justice,

courage, and temperance—is the only true good. External
things like wealth, fame, or pleasure are indifferent
because they do not affect one's moral character.

• Application: Focus on developing inner virtues rather

than chasing material success or external validation.
Strive to act with integrity and fairness in all aspects of
life.
• Control What You Can, Accept What You Cannot:

• Zeno distinguished between things within our control

(our thoughts, actions, and reactions) and things outside
our control (external events, other people's actions). He
believed peace comes from focusing on what we can
control.

• Application: Practice this idea by letting go of worries

about things beyond your influence, such as the opinions
of others or the outcomes of events, and channel your
energy into self-improvement and constructive actions.
• Living in Accordance with Nature:

• Zeno emphasized aligning one's life with the rational

order of the universe, which he saw as governed by a
divine logos (reason or logic)

• Application: Accept the natural flow of life and work with

it rather than against it. For instance, embrace changes
and challenges as part of life's order instead of resisting
them.
• Emotion and Reason:

• Zeno taught that destructive emotions arise from errors

in judgment and that living rationally can help us achieve
emotional resilience.

• Application: Reflect on your emotions and their causes.

Practice mindfulness and rational thinking to avoid being
overwhelmed by anger, fear, or envy.
 Pyrrho of Elis
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Pyrrho of Elis
Pyrrho was an ancient Greek
philosopher and the founder of
Skepticism, a school of thought
that questioned the possibility of
certain knowledge and advocated
for withholding judgment on all
matters. His ideas had a profound
influence on later skeptical
philosophers, including those of
the Hellenistic period and the
• Suspension of Judgment (Epoché):

• Pyrrho believed that since we cannot know anything for

certain, the best way to live is by suspending judgment
on all matters. He argued that this would lead to peace of
mind, as we would avoid the distress caused by making
absolute claims about the world.

• Application: In your daily life, practice mindful

uncertainty. When faced with decisions or differing
opinions, resist the urge to form absolute judgments.
Stay open to new perspectives, knowing that certainty is
often elusive.
• Relativity of Perception:

• Pyrrho argued that perceptions are subjective and that

no perception can be regarded as absolute truth. What
seems true to one person may not seem true to another,
and this variability means that knowledge based on
sensory experience is unreliable.

• Application: Recognize that others’ viewpoints and

experiences may differ from your own. Cultivate empathy
by understanding that each person’s reality is shaped by
their perceptions.
• Living in Accordance with Nature:

• Like other ancient philosophers, Pyrrho emphasized living

in harmony with nature. However, for Pyrrho, this meant
aligning oneself with the natural flow of things and not
resisting what one cannot control.

• Application: Focus on what you can control and accept

what you cannot. In difficult situations, rather than
forcing outcomes, let things unfold naturally and respond
with patience.
 Anaximander
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Anaximander
Anaximander, a pre-Socratic
philosopher from Miletus,
was a student of Thales and
a pioneer in cosmology,
geography, and biology. He
made profound
contributions to early
scientific thought and
metaphysics.
• The Boundless (Apeiron)

• Anaximander proposed that the origin of all things is the

Apeiron, an infinite and indefinite substance that
transcends physical elements like water or fire. This was
a radical departure from his teacher Thales, who posited
water as the primary substance.

• Application: In modern life, this idea encourages

embracing the unknown and recognizing that not
everything can be easily categorized or understood. It
aligns with scientific inquiry into the origins of the
universe.
• Justice in Nature:

• Anaximander believed that natural forces maintain

balance and justice in the cosmos. When one element
oversteps its bounds, another restores equilibrium.

• Application: Strive for balance in life—between work and

rest, ambition and contentment, or giving and receiving.
Respect nature’s balance by avoiding exploitation of
resources.
Pythagoras
was an ancient Ionian Greek
philosopher, polymath, and the
eponymous founder of
Pythagoreanism. His political and
religious teachings were well known
in Magna Graecia and influenced
the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle,
and, through them, the West in
Though Pythagoras was famous in his own day and even 150
general.
years later in the time of Plato and Aristotle, it was not
mathematics or science upon which his fame rested.
Pythagoras
Pythagoras was famous

(1) as an expert on the fate of the soul after death, who

thought that the soul was immortal and went through a
series of reincarnations
(2) as an expert on religious ritual
(3) as a wonder-worker who had a thigh of gold and who
could be two places at the same time
(4) as the founder of a strict way of life that emphasized
dietary restrictions, religious ritual and rigorous self
discipline.
 Pythagoras
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
MATHEMATICS

Pythagoras is best known for his contributions to

mathematics, including the pythagorean theorem. This
theorem states that in a right angled-triangle, the square of
the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the
squares of the two other sides. This theorem is still widely
used today in fields like architecture, engineering, and
For Pythagoras mathematics was not just a practical tool for
physics.
measuring and calculating but the fundamental aspects of
the universe he believed that the universe was ordered and
harmonious and that this order could be expressed through
numbers and mathematics he believe that numbers were
building blocks of the universe and that everything in the
world could be understood through a numerical relationships
METAPHYSICS

Pythagoras believed in the concept of metempsychosis or

the transmigration of souls he believed that the soul was
immortal and that after death it would pass into another
body this belief was based on the idea that everything in the
universe was interconnected and that the same soul could
inhabit different bodies over time
Pythagoras also believed in the existence of a transcendent
realm of reality which he called the world of forms this world
of forms was the source of all things in the physical world
and it could only be access through contemplation and
reason
ETHICS

Pythagoras believes in the importance of ethical behavior

and he believed that the key to living a good life is to
cultivate virtues like wisdom, courage and self control

His virtues are necessary for achieving harmony and balance

to our life and that they could be cultivated through process
of moral and intellectual development
 Epicurus’
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
 EPICURUS was an ancient Greek philosopher and
sage who founded Epicureanism, a highly
influential school of philosophy

His new philosophy centered primarily on

the idea of seeking pleasure and avoiding
pain
The Epicureans believed that all desires
were derived from three main sources:
those natural desires that are essential
for life such as food and shelter; those
natural desires that one can live without,
primarily ones that cause jealousy and boredom; and lastly,
narcissistic desires such as wealth and fame. He wrote, "He
who is not satisfied with a little is satisfied with nothing."
Epicurus asserted that philosophy's purpose is to attain as
well as to help others attain happy (eudaimonic), tranquil
lives characterized by ataraxia (peace and freedom from
fear) and aponia (the absence of pain)
He taught that the root of all human neuroses is denial of
death and the tendency for human beings to assume that
death will be horrific and painful, which he claimed causes
unnecessary anxiety, selfish self-protective behaviors, and
hypocrisy.
This philosophy teaches us to not be worried about such
things that are still assumed by our minds, because our
minds are very powerful that it has the ability to change
our reality, like the quote that says “We are what we
think”, therefore if we think about bad things those bad
 He taught that people should act ethically not because the
gods punish or reward them for their actions but because,
due to the power of guilt, amoral behavior would inevitably
lead to remorse weighing on their consciences and as a
result, they would be prevented from attaining ataraxia.

Because of this philosophy, humans are driven to do the

good or the ethical way not because of the gods
punishments or rewards but they should do good for it is
good.
 Heraclitus’
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
HERACLITUS
was an ancient Greek pre-Socratic
philosopher from the city of Ephesus,
which was then part of the Persian
Empire. He exerts a wide influence on
ancient and modern Western philosophy
He was considered arrogant and
depressed, a misanthrope who was
subject to melancholia. Consequently, he
became known as "the weeping
philosopher" in contrast to the ancient
atomist philosopher Democritus, who was
known as "the laughing philosopher".
The central ideas of Heraclitus's philosophy are the unity
of opposites and the concept of change. Heraclitus saw
harmony and justice in strife. He viewed the world as
constantly in flux, always "becoming" but never "being".
He expressed this in sayings like "Everything flows"
Heraclitus famously stated, "You cannot step into the
same river twice," emphasizing that all things are in a
state of constant flux

-Embrace change as an inevitable part of life. Rather than

resisting it, adapt to new circumstances and find
opportunities in transitions, such as career changes,
personal growth, or evolving relationships.
Plato’s Philosophy
and its Life
Applications
PLATO
was an ancient Greek
philosopher of the Classical
period who is considered a
foundational thinker in Western
philosophy and an innovator of
the written dialogue and
dialectic forms. He influenced
all the major areas of
theoretical philosophy and
practical philosophy, and was
the founder of the Platonic
Academy, a philosophical
Building on the demonstration by Socrates that those
regarded as experts in ethical matters did not have the
understanding necessary for a good human life, Plato
introduced the idea that their mistakes were due to
their not engaging properly with a class of entities he
called forms, chief examples of which were Justice,
Beauty, and Equality.
• Plato believed in a higher reality of perfect,
eternal, and unchanging "Forms" or "Ideas" that
represent the true essence of things. For
example, physical objects are imperfect
representations of their ideal forms.

• Strive for ideals in your life, such as truth,

justice, or beauty. For instance, aim to embody
 Diogenes of
Sinope’s
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
DIOGENES OF SINOPE
was the archetype of the Cynics, a
Greek philosophical sect that
stressed stoic self-sufficiency and
the rejection of luxury. He is
credited by some with originating
the Cynic way of life, but he
himself acknowledges an
indebtedness to Antisthenes, by
whose numerous writings he was
probably influenced. It was by
personal example rather than any
coherent system of thought that
Diogenes conveyed the Cynic
Diogenes is the subject of numerous apocryphal stories,
one of which depicts his behaviour upon being sold into
slavery. He declared that his trade was that of
governing men and was appointed tutor to his master’s
sons.
Living in Accordance with Nature: Diogenes believed
that true happiness is found by living simply and
aligning with natural instincts rather than societal
expectations.
-Simplify your life by focusing on essential needs.
Avoid excessive consumerism and prioritize
experiences, relationships, and personal growth
over material possessions.
 Democritus’
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
DEMOCRITUS
Democritus, known in antiquity
as the ‘laughing philosopher’
because of his emphasis on the
value of ‘cheerfulness,’ was one
of the two founders of ancient
atomist theory. He elaborated a
system originated by his
teacher Leucippus into a
materialist account of the
natural world. The atomists
held that there are smallest
indivisible bodies from which
He concluded that divisibility of matter comes to an
end, and the smallest possible fragments must be
bodies with sizes and shapes, although the exact
argument for this conclusion of his is not known. The
smallest and indivisible bodies he called "atoms."
Everything in the universe is made of small, indivisible
particles (atoms) moving through empty space. Changes
occur through the rearrangement of these atoms.

Recognize the interconnectedness and

impermanence of material things. This can
encourage minimalism and reduce attachment to
possessions.
 Aristotle’s
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
ARISTOTLE
as an ancient Greek philosopher and
scientist, one of the greatest intellectual
figures of Classical antiquity and Western
history. He was the author of a
philosophical and scientific system that
became the framework and vehicle for
both Christian Scholasticism and
medieval Islamic philosophy. Even after
the intellectual revolutions of the
Renaissance, the Reformation, and the
Enlightenment, Aristotelian concepts
remained embedded in Western thinking.
Aristotle’s intellectual range was vast, covering most of the
sciences and many of the arts, including biology, botany,
chemistry, ethics, history, logic, metaphysics, rhetoric,
philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, physics, poetics,
political theory, psychology, and zoology
Eudaimonia (Flourishing or Happiness): Aristotle believed
the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia,
often translated as "flourishing" or "the good life." This is
achieved through living virtuously and fulfilling one's
potential.
Focus on personal growth, developing skills and talents, and
aligning actions with long-term goals rather than pursuing
fleeting pleasures.
 Parmenides
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
PARMENIDES Parmenides of Elea, active in the
earlier part of the 5th c. BCE,
authored a difficult metaphysical
poem that has earned him a
reputation as early Greek
philosophy’s
renowned for most profound and
his contributions to
challenging thinker
metaphysics and ontology, the study
of being and reality. His philosophy
challenges perceptions of change
and multiplicity, emphasizing the
unity and unchanging nature of
existence.
Being is One and Unchanging: Parmenides argued that
reality is a single, eternal, unchanging entity. He claimed
that "what is" cannot come into existence or cease to exist,
as this would imply a transition to "what is not," which is
illogical. a stable sense of self and purpose. Focus on long-
Develop
term goals and values rather than being swayed by transient
emotions or external circumstances.

The Way of Truth vs. The Way of Opinion: Parmenides

distinguished between the "Way of Truth," which aligns with
reason and acknowledges the unchanging nature of reality,
and the "Way of Opinion," which is based on sensory
experience and leads to error.
 Socrates
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
SOCRATES
Socrates was one of the greatest Greek
philosophers by a wide margin. He was
born in 469 BCE at a place called Deme
Alpoece, Athens. For the entirety of his life,
this classical Greek philosopher devoted
himself
Socratesto was
finding a the
verymost ideal way
peculiar of
Greek
living a moralin
philosopher lifethe sense that he never
wrote down any thoughts of his. He simply
spoke out his mind and engaged in
intellectual discussions with his followers.
Socrates would roam the streets of ancient
Athens trying to trigger the reasoning
 For example, he would question them; debate with
Athenians about why they held certain beliefs; and ask how
those beliefs of theirs shape their lives. Those were his
favored methods of expressing and refining his ideas.
For example, he would question them; debate with
Athenians about why they held certain beliefs; and ask how
those beliefs of theirs shape their lives. Those were his
favored methods of expressing and refining his ideas.
• Practice active listening and thoughtful questioning in
conversations. For example, when discussing a complex
topic, ask, "Why do you think that?" or "What evidence
supports this view?" to encourage deeper understanding.
Mary Wolstonecraft
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
 Mary
Wolstonecraftwas a moral and political
philosopher whose analysis of the
condition of women in modern
society retains much of its original
radicalism. One of the reasons her
pronouncements on the subject
remain challenging is that her
reflections on the status of the
female sex were part of an
attempt to come to a
comprehensive understanding of
human relations within a
She is best known for her work "A Vindication of the Rights
of Woman" (1792), where she argues for the equality of the
sexes and stresses the importance of education for women.
Her philosophy centers on reason, equality, and the
potential for individual self-fulfillment, making her a
foundational figure in feminist thought.
By applying Wollstonecraft’s ideas, you can contribute to
creating a world where everyone—regardless of gender—has
the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential. Her
philosophy remains a powerful guide for fostering equality,
education, and justice in modern life.
 Confucius
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Confucius an ancient Chinese philosopher,
emphasized ethical living, social
harmony, and moral development.
His philosophy, known as
Confucianism, focuses on
relationships, virtue, and the
cultivation of moral character to
•create
Xiao (a孝 harmonious society.
) – Filial Piety:
• This principle highlights the
importance of respecting and caring
for one’s parents and ancestors.
• Application: Support and care for
family members, listen to their
advice, and honor their legacy
Ren ( 仁 ) – Benevolence or Humanity:
• Central to Confucian thought, Ren emphasizes
compassion, kindness, and love for others.
• Application: Practice empathy and kindness in daily
interactions, such as helping those in need or resolving
conflicts peacefully.
Li ( 礼 ) – Rituals and Social Etiquette:
• Li refers to the importance of rituals, customs, and proper
conduct to maintain social harmony.
• Application: Show respect in social settings by practicing
good manners, honoring traditions, and respecting
elders.
 Ayn Rand
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was a
Russian-American philosopher and
novelist best known for developing
the philosophy of Objectivism. Her
ideas emphasize individualism,
rational self-interest, and the
pursuit of personal happiness as
the highest moral purpose of life.
Her novels, such as The
Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged,
illustrate these principles through
her characters and narratives.
Rand believed in objective reality, asserting that reality
exists independently of perception. Facts are facts, and they
are not subject to emotions, wishes, or beliefs.
• Application: Approach problems logically, base decisions
on facts rather than feelings, and verify the truth of
claims before accepting them.

• Reason: She emphasized reason as humanity's primary

means of survival. Emotions, while important, are not
tools of cognition.
• Application: Cultivate critical thinking and use reason to
make informed decisions in personal and professional life.
 Immanuel Kant’s
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century

German philosopher, is one of the
most influential figures in Western
philosophy. His ideas focus on
morality, reason, and the nature of
human understanding, with
significant implications for how we
live and interact with others.
Categorical Imperative
• Core Idea: Morality is based on universal principles that
apply to everyone, regardless of personal desires or
circumstances. A key formulation is: "Act only according
to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will
that it should become a universal law."
• Application: Before acting, ask yourself, "What if
everyone did this?" For example:
⚬ Avoid lying, because if everyone lied, trust would
collapse.
⚬ Help others in need, as you would wish others to help
you in similar circumstances.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Friedrich Nietzsche

I was a German classical scholar,

philosopher, and critic of culture,
who became one of the most
influential of all modern thinkers.
He began his career as a
classical philologist before turning
to philosophy.
Philosophy: Will to Power
• Nietzsche saw life as a dynamic process of striving and
self-overcoming. He emphasized the importance of
embracing life’s challenges to create meaning and
develop one’s individuality.
• He also critiqued conventional morality, encouraging
people to go "beyond good and evil" by defining their own
values.
View obstacles as opportunities to grow and strengthen
yourself.
• Example: If you face a setback, treat it as a chance to
develop resilience and creativity.
 Han Feizi
Philosophy and its
Life Applications
Han Feizi
as the greatest of China’s Legalist
philosophers. His essays on
autocratic government so
impressed Qin Shi Huang that the
future emperor adopted their
principles after seizing power in
221 bce. The Hanfeizi, the book
named after him, comprises a
synthesis of legal theories up to
his time.
• Philosophy: Han Feizi, a Chinese philosopher, emphasized
the importance of law and order for maintaining a stable
society. He believed that strong governance, strict laws,
and impartial enforcement were key to societal harmony.
• Applications:
1.Rule-Based Systems: Create and follow clear rules in
workplaces or teams to ensure fairness and efficiency.
2.Accountability: Recognize the importance of
accountability in leadership, where rewards and
consequences are applied impartially.
3.Structure in Personal Life: Use self-imposed rules or
systems (like time-blocking or habit trackers) to build
discipline and achieve goals.
THANK YOU