Which ancient figure is often considered the founder of Western philosophy?
The ancient figure who is often considered the founder of Western philosophy is Socrates. While Socrates himself did not leave behind any written works, his philosophical ideas and methods were influential and laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical schools and thinkers. Socrates emphasized the pursuit of wisdom through critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and engaging in dialogue. His teachings had a significant impact on his student Plato, who further developed philosophical ideas and became a prominent philosopher in his own right. Together, Socrates and Plato played a foundational role in shaping the development of Western philosophy.