470–399 BC · ancient philosophy, ethics, epistemology, dialectic
Socrates (470–399 BC) was an Athenian philosopher whose questioning method revolutionized Western thought. He challenged Athenians to critically examine their beliefs about virtue, justice, and the good life, famously claiming to know nothing. His pursuit of truth through dialectic led to his trial and execution for impiety and corrupting the youth, profoundly influencing subsequent philosophy.