Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher born around 470 BCE in Athens, known as one of the foundational figures of Western philosophy alongside Plato and Aristotle
. He is credited as the founder of Western philosophy and one of the earliest moral philosophers, focusing on ethics and epistemology
. Socrates did not write any texts himself; his philosophy and life are known primarily through the writings of his students, especially Plato and Xenophon, who depicted him in dialogues using the Socratic method—a form of cooperative argumentative questioning to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas
. This method, also called elenchus, involves asking and answering questions to expose contradictions and clarify concepts
. He was born to Sophroniscus, a stonemason, and Phaenarete, a midwife, and initially worked as a stoneworker before dedicating himself to philosophy
. Socrates married Xanthippe and had three sons
. Socrates was a prominent figure in Athenian society but also controversial. In 399 BCE, he was tried and convicted on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety (not respecting the gods of Athens). Despite offers to escape, he accepted his death sentence and was executed by drinking poison hemlock
. His death is famously described in Plato's dialogue Phaedo , where Socrates discusses the immortality of the soul
. His philosophical legacy deeply influenced his student Plato, who in turn taught Aristotle, creating a lineage that shaped the course of Western philosophy. Socrates is often remembered for his claim that he knew nothing except his own ignorance, emphasizing the importance of questioning and self- examination
. In summary, Socrates was a pioneering Athenian philosopher whose life and teachings laid the groundwork for Western ethical and philosophical thought, remembered for his dialectical method, moral inquiry, and principled stand at his trial and death
