Which philosopher wrote the first Latin novel, "The Golden Ass"?

The first Latin novel, "The Golden Ass," was written by Apuleius in the second century CE. This work is notable not only for its narrative style but also for its incorporation of a wide variety of themes, including adventure, magic, and transformation. The protagonist, Lucius, undergoes a series of misadventures that ultimately lead to his metamorphosis into a donkey and his subsequent quest for redemption and enlightenment.

Apuleius is recognized for blending elements of folklore, mythology, and philosophical inquiry within his storytelling, making "The Golden Ass" a significant literary achievement of the Roman Empire. His use of the novel format and the Latin language helped lay the groundwork for future literary works in the Western tradition. The other individuals in the choices, while notable in their own rights, contributed in different fields — historians, physicians, and astronomers, rather than as novelists.