Socrates (historical figure, contemporary)

Socrates (circa 470-399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. He did not leave written records, but his ideas are primarily known through the writings of his students, like Plato. Socrates emphasized the importance of self-examination, famously declaring that "the unexamined life is not worth living." He used a dialectical method, asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. His approach laid the groundwork for Western philosophy and the scientific method, making him a pivotal figure in the history of thought and ethics.