Socrates

Socrates (c. 470 – 399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher widely considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. He lived in Athens during a time of great intellectual and political change and is best known for his contributions to ethics, epistemology, and the development of critical thinking.

Unlike many philosophers, Socrates wrote no books. Most of what we know about him comes from the works of his students, especially Plato and Xenophon. Through Plato’s dialogues, Socrates is portrayed as a relentless questioner, using the Socratic Method—a form of cooperative dialogue involving asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions.

Socrates focused on the inner life and the examined life, famously stating, "The unexamined life is not worth living." He challenged the moral complacency of his fellow citizens, which earned him both admiration and hostility. Accused of corrupting the youth and impiety, he was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.

Socrates' legacy endures as a symbol of intellectual honesty, ethical inquiry, and resistance to unjust authority. His life and teachings laid the groundwork for later philosophical schools, including Stoicism, Skepticism, and Platonism.