Socrates

Who is Socrates?

Socrates was an Athenian philosopher regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy. He wrote nothing himself; his ideas survive chiefly through the dialogues of his students Plato and Xenophon, and references in the plays of Aristophanes. Living in classical Athens, he devoted himself to questioning fellow citizens about justice, virtue, courage, and the good life, developing the method of relentless questioning now called the Socratic method (elenchus). He famously claimed to know nothing, positioning ignorance as the beginning of wisdom. Charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens, he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock in 399 BC, a scene immortalized in Plato's dialogues. His life and death became a lasting symbol of intellectual integrity and moral courage.

Sources: Plato, Apology (circa 399-380 BC) · Plato, Phaedo · Xenophon, Memorabilia