Philosophy

14 Philosophical Schools of the Ancient World

Exploring the Major Schools of Thought that Shaped Ancient Greek Philosophy

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Explore the rich history of ancient Greek philosophy with this list of 14 influential philosophical schools. From the Milesian School, founded by Thales, to the Neo-Platonic School, founded by Plotinus, these movements have shaped our understanding of the world and continue to influence contemporary philosophical debates. Learn about the key ideas and notable figures of each school, and discover how they contributed to the development of Western thought.

Some of the most well-known philosophical schools of the ancient world include:

1. The Croton School of Pythagoras was a philosophical and religious movement founded by Pythagoras in the ancient Greek colony of Croton, in southern Italy. The members of this school were known as Pythagoreans, and they were interested in mathematics, science, and mysticism. They believed that numbers had spiritual significance and that the universe was ordered according to mathematical principles. The Pythagoreans were also interested in the concept of reincarnation and the idea that the soul could transmigrate from one body to another after death. They practiced a strict code of ethical conduct and followed a vegetarian…