Plato's belief in the priority of an immaterial and eternal world became the central thesis of Saint Augustine's philosophy, while Aristotle's view of a living, growing, goal-directed universe played an important role in the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Plato

An ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle, known for his contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and the concept of forms.

Saint Augustine

An early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity and Western philosophy, especially regarding concepts of original sin and divine grace.

Aristotle

An ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, whose works cover a wide range of subjects and form the basis of Western philosophy.