Socrates

The philosopher who made Athens question itself, tried and executed by that same democracy.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Wrote nothing; his thought survives in the dialogues of his students, above all Plato.
• His method of relentless questioning gave philosophy the elenchus.
• Sentenced to death for impiety and corrupting the young; drank the hemlock in 399 BC.

Specifications & Metrics

• ERA: 470 – 399 BC