Socrates
Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher who is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Born in Athens, Greece, Socrates is known primarily through the accounts of later classical writers, especially his students Plato and Xenophon. Unlike many philosophers of his time, Socrates left no written records; instead, his teachings and thoughts were conveyed through dialogues written by his disciples. His method of inquiry, the Socratic method, which involves asking a series of questions to provoke critical thinking and illuminate ideas, became a foundational technique in Western philosophical education.
Socrates was an enigmatic figure, known for his distinctive appearance, barefoot and often seen in the marketplace, engaging in philosophical discussions with citizens of Athens. He focused on ethics and the pursuit of moral knowledge, famously asserting that an unexamined life is not worth living. His questioning of traditional beliefs and his method of dialectical conversation earned him both admiration and animosity.
In 399 BCE, Socrates was tried and convicted of corrupting the youth and impiety. Choosing to accept his fate, he was sentenced to death by consuming a poison hemlock concoction. Socrates' ideas and martyrdom profoundly influenced Western philosophy, laying the groundwork for Plato's and Aristotle's subsequent contributions.