Philosophy & Reason

David Hume

Philosopher · 1711–1776 · Philosophy, scepticism, empiricism

David Hume is important to Truth By Reason because he challenged weak claims about miracles, causation, religion and certainty through sceptical and empirical reasoning.

Laozi

Philosopher · Traditionally dated to the 6th century BCE; historical identity and dates uncertain · Daoist philosophy, naturalness, simplicity, government and non-forcing

Laozi is the traditional author associated with the Dao De Jing and one of the foundational figures of Taoism.

Plato

Philosopher · c. 428/427–348/347 BCE · Philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, knowledge and politics

Plato was a student of Socrates, founder of the Academy and one of the most influential philosophers in the Western tradition.

Socrates

Philosopher · c. 470–399 BCE · Philosophy, questioning, ethics

Socrates is important to Truth By Reason because he represents disciplined questioning, the examination of assumptions, and the idea that untested beliefs may be dangerous.

Umasvati

Philosopher · Commonly placed in the early centuries CE; exact dates uncertain · Jain philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, karma and liberation

Umasvati, also called Umasvami, is the Jain philosopher associated with the Tattvartha Sutra, an influential systematic presentation of Jain doctrine.

Zhuangzi

Philosopher · Traditionally c. 369–286 BCE · Daoist philosophy, perspective, language, freedom, change and naturalness

Zhuangzi was an influential Daoist philosopher whose associated text uses stories and paradox to question certainty, rigid distinctions and conventional values.