Who Is Your Favorite Philosopher?

Comte De Maistre

[ComtedeMaistre]

That was the question that George W. was asked in the 2000 campaign. Unfortunately, the questioner failed to provide a precise definition of how to define a philosopher.

A useful definition of a philosopher is anybody who has ever written a book on ideas. Anybody. Whether he is an economist, theologian, politician, mathematician, soldier, boxer, musician, historian, artist, psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist, biologist, physicist, athlete, etc, etc, etc.

Yes, I do recognize Yogi Berra as a notable philosopher. Even Barry Goldwater, notwithstanding the fact that his book, "Conscience of a Conservative" was ghost-written for him.

Certainly, if some of the well-read freepers know of philosophers noted for conservative ideas, their contributions are certainly welcome.

For my part, my favorite philosopher is the anti-enlightenment thinker, Joseph de Maistre (also known as Comte de Maistre). I regard him as the most authentic conservative intellectual of all time. Reading his works made me realize how the spread of moral relativism can endanger civilization.

[ComtedeMaistre]

So, who is your favorite philosopher? I assume you have all read at least one book on ideas. Right?

[strela]

Without a doubt, Mark Twain.

[annyokie]

Viktor Frankl.

[A CA Guy]

Ann Coulter:)

[giotto]

What was Dubya's answer?

[RightWhale]

I assume you have all read at least one book on ideas

I was going to say 'Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand, but my philosophy prof said there is no philosophy in that book. At the moment Pere Teilhard is my fav. Of course he's not a philosopher either, just a geologist/anthropologist.

[SamKeck]

No doubt about it, the great Eric Hoffer. (Sorry Ayn.)

[Pharmboy]

Jesus Christ, was Dubya's answer.

[strela]

She was a close third or fourth on my list. But, I see that body and can't help but think "somebody should FEED her brain!" ;)

[Pharmboy]

Ayn Rand.

[ComtedeMaistre]

More info on my favorite philosopher: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09554a.htm

He was so far to the right, that he made his right-wing British contemporary, Edmund Burke, sound like a bleeding heart liberal. And that is by the right-wing standards of the Europe of the 1700s.

[chance33_98]

As cliche as it sounds, I still find the bible quite an intriguing read in this area. Though I am also fond of the Dali Llama's works, as well as Thomas Szasz, and of Course - Hannah More (and yes, I will eventually finish hannahmore.com, been busy with work though - argh!)

[Dan from Michigan]

John Ross.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

Professor Daniel Yergin has offered the most indepth look into the evolution of economic models and politics, the oil industry and globalization throughout the past 2 centuries. Provides enough information to scetch a mud map for our future.

I consider him one of the great minds of the century. I am an avid reader and although I have appreciated many authors I have never experienced an author in this league.

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Hank Hill and Boomhauer

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Boomhauer

[BigWaveBetty]

Foghorn Leghorn.

[ALASKA]

Steven Wright

[Alberta's Child]

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin?

Wasn't he the moron who was conned by the whole "Piltdown Man" hoax?

[Skywalk]

I assume we're talking pure philosophy and not economic philosophers like Smith, Bastiat, etc?

If it's pure philosophy, I might start with Locke, carry it through to Acton with a little Burke thrown in. Popper is nice. There are many others, even those I disagree with...Marcus Aurelius? Buddha? Lao Tzu?