There are many characters in Lost who have the same name as a philosopher. Below is some information about those philosophers. For more information, click on their names, which links to wikipedia.

John Locke (August 29, 1632- October 28, 1704) was an English philosopher during the enlightenment. He postulated that the mind was in a blank state, or tabula rasa (also the name of an episode in Lost). He believed that people were born without innate ideas. He believed that ownership of properties is created by the application of manual labor. He also said that human nature is characterized by reason and tolerance.

David Hume (April 26, 1711- August 25 1776) was a Scottish philosopher greatly influenced by Locke. Unlike Desmond, Hume was against the idea of miracles and was not religious. Hume believed that all events that happen to people are predetermined and the future cannot be changed. (Desmond's flashes were able to change the future, and save Charlie multiple times.)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (June 28, 1712- July 2 1778) was a Genevan philosopher whose political ideas greatly influenced the French Revolution. He believed that humans were not good nor bad in nature, but corrupt in society. He said that society has a negative impact on man. After much criticism, he took refuge with David Hume.

Anthony Cooper (July 22, 1621- January 21 1683) was an English politician during the English Civil War. He met John Locke in 1666 and became close friends with him. Cooper had a liver infection which would become fatal if nothing was done. Locke organized an operation to remove Cooper's infection, which saved his life (sound familiar?).

Mikhail Bakunin (May 8, 1814- June 1, 1876) was a well known Russian revolutionist who created modern anarchism. He rejected any system of government, and any official. (This is the complete opposite of the Mikhail in Lost, who is loyal to Ben.) Mikhail was arrested several times because of his rebellion against the government, and was given a criminal status.

Edmund Burke ( January 12, 1729- July 7, 1797) was an Irish political theorist who was in the British Parliament for many years. He supported the American Revolution, but greatly opposed the French Revolution. He was a leading figure in the Whig Party. He is often credited to be the Father of Anglo-American conservatism.

Richard Alpert (April 6, 1931-) is a spiritual leader born in America best known for his bestseller Be Here Now. He traveled to India, where he was given the name Ram Dass, meaning "servant of God". When he returned to America, he created several organizations devoted to expanding spiritual awareness.