Tran Duc Thao was a prominent Vietnamese philosopher and Marxist theorist, born in 1917 and passing away in 1993. He is best known for his contributions to the development of Marxist philosophy in Vietnam, particularly through his works that explored the relationship between philosophy and social practice. Thao's ideas emphasized the importance of dialectical materialism and the role of human consciousness in shaping reality. Throughout his career, Tran Duc Thao engaged with various philosophical traditions, including Hegelianism and existentialism. He was also involved in political activism, advocating for social change and the application of Marxist principles in Vietnam. His legacy continues to influence contemporary philosophical thought in the region.