Socrates Study Guide

Early Life

Socrates was born in Athens, Greece, around 470 BCE. His father was a sculptor, and Socrates initially followed in his footsteps before devoting himself to philosophy.

Philosophy and Method

Socrates is best known for his contributions to the field of ethics and his development of the Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue. This method involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.

Key Philosophical Concepts

Virtue: Socrates believed that virtue was the most valuable of all possessions and that it was essential for living a good and fulfilling life.
Self-Knowledge: He famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living," emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and introspection.
Irony and Humility: Socrates employed irony and claimed to possess no wisdom of his own, instead seeking knowledge through questioning and dialogue.

Trial and Death

Socrates' outspoken and critical nature led to his trial and eventual execution in 399 BCE. He was charged with corrupting the youth and impiety, and he chose to drink a cup of hemlock as his method of execution, remaining true to his principles until the end.

Legacy

Despite leaving behind no written works of his own, Socrates' ideas were preserved and expanded upon by his students, most notably Plato. His philosophical legacy continues to influence ethical and moral discussions in contemporary society.