Socrates

Summary

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher born in Athens in 469 BCE. He is renowned for his questioning method and emphasis on reason in understanding the world. His teachings, mainly recorded by his students like Plato and Xenophon, have profoundly influenced Western philosophy.

Facts

Socrates was born in Athens in 469 BCE.

He is known mainly through the accounts of his students, particularly Plato and Xenophon.

Socrates emphasized questioning everything and encouraged the use of reason.

He was particularly interested in ethics and believed in living a virtuous life.

Socrates engaged in dialogues with others to challenge their assumptions and encourage critical thinking.

Despite his influence, he was not popular with the ruling class of Athens.

In 399 BCE, Socrates was put on trial and sentenced to death for impiety and corrupting the youth.

He accepted his sentence and drank poison, becoming a martyr for his beliefs.

Socrates did not leave any written works of his own.

His philosophy had a profound impact on later thinkers.