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Origins of Western Thought

About Socrates

Socrates is arguably the most famous and influential ancient Greek philosopher. He lived in Athens, Greece. He born in 469 B.C. and died in 399 B.C. when he was sentenced to die by drinking poison hemlock. Socrates didn't leave any writings; most of what is known about him was written by his student Plato. Socrates founded what is known as the Socratic method. The Socratic method is a teaching practice in which the teacher asks questions of the students.

References

Collinson, D. & Plant, K. (2006). Fifty major philosophers. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Information about Socrates' trial can be read here:

Linder, D. (2001). The Trial of Socrates. Retrieved from http://famous-trials.com/socrates