Axial Age Philosophy

Axial Age Philosophy refers to a transformative period around the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE when major thinkers across different cultures—such as Confucius and Laozi in China, Buddha in India, Socrates in Greece, and prophets in Persia—developed ideas about ethics, human nature, and the purpose of life. These philosophies emphasized inner reflection, moral values, and understanding the human condition, laying the foundation for many modern religions and ethical systems. Despite cultural differences, they shared a focus on individual responsibility, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom, shaping civilizations’ spiritual and moral frameworks.