Socrates (c. 470 – 399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher from Athens, recognized as a foundational figure in Western philosophy and one of the earliest moral philosophers. He did not write any texts, and most of what is known about him comes from the accounts of his students, particularly Plato and Xenophon, as well as the playwright Aristophanes. These accounts often take the form of dialogues, where Socrates engages in discussions with various interlocutors, leading to the development of the Socratic dialogue genre. The conflicting narratives surrounding Socrates contribute to what is known as the Socratic problem, complicating efforts to accurately reconstruct his philosophical views.Socrates was a controversial figure in Athenian society. In 399 BCE, he faced charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, resulting in a trial that concluded with a death sentence. He spent his final day in prison, declining offers to escape, and was executed by consuming poison hemlock. His philosophical approach, particularly the Socratic method, involved questioning and dialogue aimed at uncovering contradictions in the beliefs of his interlocutors. This method emphasized the importance of recognizing one's own ignorance as a precursor to gaining knowledge.Plato's dialogues provide some of the most detailed accounts of Socrates's life and philosophy, showcasing his methods in areas such as ethics and epistemology. However, the reliability of these accounts is debated, as they may reflect Plato's own philosophical views rather than an accurate portrayal of Socrates. Xenophon, another student, offered a different perspective, presenting Socrates as more straightforward and less ironic than Plato's depiction. The accounts of Aristophanes, while comedic, also contributed to the public perception of Socrates as a controversial figure.Socrates was born in Athens to a stoneworker and a midwife, receiving a typical education for a boy of his status. He served in the military during the Peloponnesian War and was known for his unconventional lifestyle, which included a disregard for physical appearance and material wealth. He engaged with Athenian youth, focusing on moral and philosophical education rather than personal relationships. His political stance was ambiguous; he criticized both democratic and oligarchic systems, emphasizing the importance of virtue and moral integrity over political affiliation.The trial of Socrates was set against a backdrop of political tension in Athens following the defeat by Sparta and the subsequent rule of the Thirty Tyrants. The accusations against him were brought forth by Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon, and the trial was marked by a jury of Athenian citizens. Socrates defended himself by questioning the validity of the charges, arguing that he could not intentionally corrupt the youth and that his philosophical inquiries benefited the city. Ultimately, he was sentenced to death, and his refusal to escape has been interpreted as a commitment to his principles.Socrates's philosophical legacy has been profound, influencing various schools of thought in antiquity and beyond. His ideas were foundational for later philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, and his methods have been adopted in various forms throughout history. His emphasis on ethical inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge continues to resonate in modern philosophical discourse.