The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Socrates

Socrates (c. 470/469 — 399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. He is known primarily through the accounts of later classical writers, particularly his student Plato. Socrates' approach to philosophy focused on critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and exploring fundamental concepts. Here are the key facts about Socrates:

1. Life and Background:
- Socrates was born in Athens, Greece, to a stonemason father and a midwife mother. His upbringing was modest, and he did not come from a wealthy or aristocratic background.
- Unlike many philosophers of his time, Socrates did not leave behind any written works. Our understanding of him comes primarily from the writings of his contemporaries and followers, particularly Plato.

2. Philosophical Methodology:
- Socratic method: Socrates' teaching style revolved around engaging in dialectical conversations, a method known as the Socratic dialogue or Socratic method. He would ask probing questions to challenge his interlocutors' assumptions and beliefs, ultimately leading them to reconsider their ideas.
- Irony: Socrates often used irony to expose the limitations of his interlocutors' knowledge and opinions. He would act ignorant to elicit responses that revealed the contradictions and uncertainties in their thinking.

3. Ethics and Morality:
- Socrates was deeply concerned with ethical matters and the pursuit of virtue. He believed that wisdom and self-awareness were essential for living a virtuous and meaningful life.
- The Delphic Oracle reportedly proclaimed that Socrates was the wisest of all men. However, Socrates interpreted this statement as meaning he was the wisest because he recognized his own ignorance.

4. The Charges and Trial:
- Socrates' unconventional teachings and his tendency to question traditional beliefs led to his eventual trial on charges of impiety (disrespect for the gods) and corrupting the youth of Athens.
- In 399 BCE, he was brought to trial before an Athenian jury. Despite his eloquent defense during the trial, he was found guilty by a narrow margin and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock, a poisonous substance.

5. Philosophical Legacy:
- Socrates' emphasis on critical examination and the importance of self-knowledge left an indelible mark on the history of philosophy. His ideas influenced later philosophical schools, including the Stoics and the Skeptics.
- His willingness to challenge accepted beliefs and engage in open dialogue set a precedent for intellectual inquiry that remains central to philosophical discourse to this day.

6. Depiction in Literature:
- Much of what we know about Socrates comes from the writings of his student Plato, particularly the dialogues in which Socrates is a central character.
- Socrates also appears in the works of other writers of his time, such as Xenophon.

Socrates' legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His method of questioning and pursuit of deeper understanding continues to inspire critical thinking and philosophical inquiry across cultures and centuries. He is a foundational figure in the development of Western thought and remains a symbol of intellectual curiosity and integrity.