Socrates
Philosopher
Socrates is the ancient Greek thinker who laid the early foundations for Western philosophical thought. His "Socratic Method" involved asking probing questions in a give-and-take which would eventually lead to the truth. Socrates was born in Athens and fought as a foot soldier in the Peloponnesian War with Sparta, but in later years became a devotee of philosophy and argument. He spent years in the public places of Athens, engaging his fellow citizens in philosophical discussions and urging them to greater self-analysis. Socrates's iconoclastic attitude didn't sit well with everyone, and at age 70 he was charged with heresy and corruption of local youth. Convicted, he carried out the death sentence by drinking hemlock, becoming one of history's earliest martyrs of conscience. Socrates's most famous pupil was Plato, who in turn instructed the philosopher Aristotle.Later philosophers include Al-Ghazali, Bertrand Russell and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Four Good Links
Encarta: Socrates
The encyclopedia's thorough introduction to the philosopher
The Last Days of Socrates
Multimedia study aid from Clarke College; see "Phaedo" for the classic death scene account
Philosophy's Martyr
Sales pitch for a book by the same name, but with swell links to Socrates online
The Trial of Socrates
Excellent analysis from the UMKC Law School
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
399 B.C.
(execution by poison, age 70)
Best Known As
The great Greek philosopher who drank hemlock
