Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher born in Athens in 469 BCE. He is renowned for his method of questioning, called the Socratic method, which aimed to stimulate critical thinking and expose inconsistencies in arguments. He lived during a time of great change and upheaval in Athens, which was transitioning from an oligarchy to a democracy. Socrates never wrote down any of his teachings, so much of what we know about him comes from the writings of his students, specifically Plato. Socrates believed that knowledge was the key to living a good life, and he spent much of his time engaging in conversation with others in the city, asking questions and challenging their beliefs. Socrates’ critical attitude and unorthodox teachings eventually brought him into conflict with the Athenian authorities. In 399 BCE, he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens and was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock. Socrates’ legacy lived on through his students, most notably Plato, who carried on his philosophical tradition and expanded upon it in his own work.
