Socrates
Socrates
If there’s one philosopher who embodies the spirit of questioning everything, it’s Socrates. Living in Athens during the 5th century BC, Socrates never wrote anything down himself, yet his ideas shaped the foundation of Western philosophy. Most of what we know about him comes from his student Plato, who recorded Socrates’ method of questioning—now famously called the Socratic Method. He spent his days wandering the Athenian streets, engaging in dialogue with citizens, challenging assumptions, and urging people to think deeper. His relentless questioning got him into trouble, though. In 399 BC, he was put on trial for impiety and corrupting the youth. Offered exile or death, Socrates chose death, proving his dedication to his principles to the very end.
What Can He Teach Me?
Socrates may have lived thousands of years ago, but his philosophy remains as relevant as ever. Here’s what we can take from him:
- Question Everything – Socrates believed that true wisdom begins with recognizing our own ignorance. Don’t just accept things at face value; ask why.
- The Examined Life – His famous quote, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” reminds us that self-reflection is essential for personal growth and a meaningful existence.
- Engage in Dialogue – Socrates didn’t preach; he asked questions and encouraged discussion. The best way to learn and grow is through conversation and debate.
- Stand by Your Principles – When faced with exile or death, Socrates chose to stay true to his philosophy. While we may never face such an extreme decision, his example reminds us to stay true to our values.
- Knowledge Is a Journey – Socrates didn’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, he saw philosophy as a lifelong pursuit of wisdom. The takeaway? Keep learning.
Notable Works
Socrates never wrote anything down himself, but his ideas live on through the writings of his students. Here are some of the key works where we find his philosophy:
The Apology – Plato’s record of Socrates’ trial, where he defends himself against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. It’s a powerful testament to his commitment to philosophy.
Phaedo – A deep dive into Socrates’ final moments and his arguments for the immortality of the soul, making it one of the most profound discussions on death in philosophy.
Theaetetus – A dialogue exploring the nature of knowledge, featuring Socrates questioning what it means to truly know something.
Memorabilia – Xenophon’s collection of Socratic dialogues, painting a different (and sometimes more down-to-earth) picture of Socrates compared to Plato’s accounts.
Euthyphro – A conversation about piety and morality, where Socrates challenges conventional religious beliefs with his classic questioning style.
Recent Blogs About Socrates
Socrates questioned everything, and so do we. Dive into these blogs to see where his ideas still shape modern thinking:
