SOCRATES:THE FATHER OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHER

 WHO WAS SOCRATES? 

Socrates was born around 470 BCE in Athens, Greece, and lived until 399 BCE. He wasn’t rich or famous during his lifetime, and he didn’t write any books. Instead, he spent his days talking to people in the streets, markets, and public spaces of Athens. He asked questions, listened carefully, and made people think deeply about their beliefs.

Socrates wasn’t a teacher in a classroom. He didn’t claim to know all the answers. In fact, he famously said, “I know that I know nothing.” This meant he believed true wisdom comes from admitting you don’t have all the answers and always seeking knowledge.

THE SOCRATES METHOD : Asking Questions to Learn

Socrates had a special way of teaching called the Socratic Method. Instead of telling people what to think, he asked them questions. For example, if someone said, “I know what courage is,” Socrates might ask, “What does courage mean to you?” or “Can you give an example?” These questions helped people think harder and understand their own ideas better.

This method is still used today in schools, law, and even therapy! It encourages people to question their assumptions and find clearer answers.

HIS BIG IDEAS

Socrates cared about how people should live good lives. Here are some of his key ideas:

Question Everything: Socrates believed we should always ask “why” and not just accept things as they are. This helps us find truth and grow wiser.

Live with Virtue: He thought being a good person—honest, fair, and kind—was more important than being rich or powerful.

Know Yourself: Socrates said, “Know thyself.” He believed understanding your own thoughts and actions is the key to a meaningful life.

WHY WAS SOCRATES CONTROVERSY? 

Socrates wasn’t afraid to challenge powerful people. He asked tough questions about their beliefs, which sometimes made them angry. He also encouraged young people to think for themselves, which worried some leaders in Athens. They thought he was causing trouble.

In 399 BCE, Socrates was put on trial. He was accused of disrespecting the gods and corrupting the youth of Athens. At his trial, he defended himself by saying he only wanted to help people think and live better. But the court found him guilty and sentenced him to death by drinking poison. Even in his final moments, Socrates stayed calm and true to his beliefs.

SOCRATES'S LEGACY

Even though Socrates didn’t write anything down, his ideas lived on through his students, like the philosopher Plato. Plato wrote about Socrates’ life and teachings, and those writings inspired countless others, including another famous philosopher, Aristotle.

Today, Socrates is remembered as one of the founders of Western philosophy. His ideas about questioning, truth, and living a good life are still studied in schools and discussed around the world.

FUN FACTS ABOUT SOCRATES 

He was known for walking barefoot and wearing simple clothes, even in cold weather!

Socrates was married to a woman named Xanthippe, and they had three sons.

He served as a soldier in Athens’ army before becoming a philosopher.

His habit of asking tough questions earned him the nickname “the gadfly of Athens,” like a pesky fly that keeps buzzing around.

WHY SOCRATES MATTERS TODAY

Socrates teaches us to be curious, ask questions, and think for ourselves. In a world full of information, his ideas remind us to dig deeper and not just believe everything we hear. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone who loves learning, Socrates’ story shows that asking “why” can change the way you see the world.

So, next time you’re curious about something, channel your inner Socrates—ask questions, listen, and keep searching for the truth!