Socrates

About

Socrates, born circa 470 BCE in Athens, Greece, is renowned as the "Father of Western philosophy." His life and teachings have profoundly influenced the development of Western thought. Born to Sophroniscus, a stonemason, and Phaenarete, a midwife, Socrates received a typical Athenian education and learned his father's craft. He later devoted his life to philosophy, employing the Socratic method—a series of probing questions that encourage critical thinking and self-examination. Socrates' philosophy focused on ethics and the pursuit of wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with recognizing one's own ignorance. He was tried and sentenced to death in 399 BCE for impiety and corrupting the youth. Despite offers to escape, Socrates chose to abide by the law, accepting his sentence as a loyal citizen of Athens. His legacy, largely documented by his students Plato and Xenophon, continues to shape philosophical discourse today. Socrates' impact on Western philosophy is immeasurable, inspiring generations to question and examine their beliefs critically.