Who was born in 551 BC and is known as the founder of a major philosophical system?

The individual known as the founder of a major philosophical system and born in 551 BC is Confucius. His teachings and philosophies have significantly influenced Chinese culture and beyond, primarily emphasizing ethics, morality, and social relationships. Confucius advocated for a system of thought centered around filial piety, respect for elders, and proper conduct in both personal and governmental spheres.

Confucianism, the philosophy derived from his teachings, became an essential foundation for East Asian societies, shaping their educational systems, social structures, and political ideologies. The principles laid out by Confucius focus on the importance of family values and social harmony, which continue to resonate in various aspects of life today.

The other individuals listed, while also significant philosophical figures in their own right, did not share the same birth year or origins as Confucius. Socrates and Plato were pivotal in Western philosophy, contributing to discussions about ethics and knowledge in Ancient Greece, whereas Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, focused on different spiritual and ethical teachings that arose in the Indian subcontinent.