Socrates (Philosopher)

Socrates (circa 470-399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. He is famous for his Socratic Method, a form of dialogue that involves asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Socrates believed that knowledge and virtue were closely linked and famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living." He sought truth and understanding through discussion rather than written texts. His ideas greatly influenced Western philosophy, and he is often regarded as one of the founders of Western thought. Socrates' life ended when he was sentenced to death for allegedly corrupting the youth of Athens.