Socrates

A classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, known for his Socratic method of questioning.

This biography of Socrates helps you learn English through real historical stories.

bornc. 470 BC

died399 BC

nationalityGreek (Athenian)

known forthe Socratic method and foundational contributions to Western philosophy

fieldphilosophy

Key Takeaways

He never wrote any books; his ideas were recorded by his student Plato
He developed the Socratic method, a system of asking questions to stimulate critical thinking
He famously declared that his only wisdom was knowing that he knew nothing
He was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock for 'corrupting the youth' of Athens

Life Timeline

c. 470 BC

Born in Athens

c. 431-404 BC

Served as a hoplite (soldier) in the Peloponnesian War

c. 420s BC

Began his public philosophical dialogues in the Agora

399 BC

Put on trial for corrupting the youth and impiety

399 BC

Executed by drinking hemlock

Biography Reading: Socrates

background

Socrates was born around 470 BC in Athens, Greece, during its golden age. Unlike many intellectuals of his time, he did not write down any of his teachings; everything we know about him comes from the accounts of his students, most notably Plato and Xenophon. He spent his early years working as a stonemason before serving bravely as a soldier in the Peloponnesian War. However, his true calling lay not in physical labor or warfare, but in the relentless pursuit of truth and wisdom.

achievement

He is best known for developing the "Socratic method," a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue. Instead of lecturing, Socrates would walk through the public squares of Athens, asking people probing questions about concepts like justice, courage, and piety. By constantly asking "why," he exposed contradictions in their thinking, showing that many who claimed to be wise actually knew very little. His most famous realization was his own intellectual humility: "I know that I know nothing."

impact

Socrates's habit of embarrassing the powerful and encouraging the youth to question authority eventually made him powerful enemies. In 399 BC, he was put on trial, accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and failing to acknowledge the city's gods. Despite giving a brilliant and defiant defense, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. True to his principles, he refused opportunities to escape into exile, choosing instead to calmly drink a cup of poisonous hemlock, becoming philosophy's first great martyr and forever altering the course of Western thought.