Justice versus conscience

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived in Athens during the 5th century BCE. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of Western philosophy. Here are some key points about Socrates:

1. Life and background: Socrates was born in Athens in 469 BCE. He was the son of a stonemason and a midwife. He was married to Xanthippe and had three sons.

2. Philosophy: Socrates is known for his method of questioning, which is called the Socratic method. He believed that the pursuit of truth and knowledge was the most important goal in life. He famously declared, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

3. Death: Socrates was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock in 399 BCE. He was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. His death is often seen as a symbol of the conflict between philosophy and politics.

4. Plato’s dialogues: Most of what we know about Socrates comes from the writings of his student, Plato. Plato wrote a number of dialogues in which Socrates is the main character, and through these dialogues we can gain insight into Socrates’ philosophy and worldview.

5. Legacy: Socrates’ ideas and methods have had a profound influence on Western philosophy. His emphasis on reason, inquiry, and the pursuit of truth helped to lay the foundation for the scientific method and critical thinking. His ideas also influenced the development of ethics and political philosophy.