* Early Philosophy: Early philosophers focused on different questions than we do today. They were interested in the nature of the universe, the origins of the world, and the nature of being. While they might have pondered the existence of the self, the concept of "you" as a separate individual was less central.
* Language: The exact wording "Are you?" is a modern construction. Even in ancient Greek, the language of many early philosophers, there wouldn't have been a single phrase that perfectly translates to it.
* No Records: Even if a philosopher did pose this question, we may not have any surviving records of it. Much of ancient philosophy was passed down through oral tradition, and not everything was written down.
However, we can point to some philosophers whose ideas may have indirectly led to this question:
* Socrates: Known for his "Socratic method," he used questioning to challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking. His questioning often focused on the nature of knowledge, virtue, and the self.
* Plato: A student of Socrates, Plato explored ideas about the soul and its relationship to the body, which could be seen as a precursor to questioning individual identity.
* Aristotle: A student of Plato, Aristotle explored the nature of human beings and their place in the universe. He also discussed the concept of the soul and its connection to the body.
It's important to remember: Asking "Are you?" is a deceptively complex question that raises fundamental issues about consciousness, self-awareness, and even the very nature of reality. While we can't pinpoint the first philosopher to ask it, the seeds of this question were likely planted in the minds of many ancient thinkers.