Socrates

Socrates

Socrates was a Greek philosopher and teacher. His teachings, life and death have made him one of the most admired people in history. Although he wrote no books or developed a regular school of thought, his influence inspired others to. Socrates affected the entire course of Western thought. I believe Socrates to be one of the most important philosophers ever.

Born in Athens, Socrates (470-399 BCE) was the son of a wealthy sculptor. There he received the regular elementary education in literature, music, and gymnastics. Initially Socrates followed the craft of his father; he executed a statue group of the three Graces, which stood at the entrance to the Acropolis until the second century AD. During the Pelopennesian war he served as an infantryman.

Since Socrates preferred conversation to writing, he left no writings himself, in order to study him we must look at what his students and others have written about him. The four main sources of Socrates life and philosophy are Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle, and Aristophanes. Xenophon and Plato were Socrates students, Aristotle was a student of Plato's, and Aristophanes was a leading playwright in Socrates time. Plato was a philosopher but unlike his teacher put his beliefs in writing. He wrote about conversations people had with Socrates, from these writings we know that Socrates lived in Athens, dressed plain, and was known for his moderation of eating and drinking.

Believed to have been unattractive in appearance, Socrates is said to have been short in height, but healthy and self controlled. He was said to enjoy life and was popular because of his wit and sense of humor. He spent most of his adult life in the marketplace, streets and gymnasiums where he would engage in dialogue and arguments with anyone willing to speak with him. Socrates had a large following of young men in Athens, he taught by questioning his listeners and showing them how inadequate their answers were. He claimed to have little or no beliefs of his own but rather attempted to discover the truth by questioning others. It is likely he discussed many different subjects with many different people.

Socrates believed that he had a divine calling to pursue philosophy. He loved his country and was obedient to Athens laws, but he avoided politics. He believed he could best serve his country by dedicating himself to teaching others how to do self-examination and care for their souls.