Socrates

Socrates was a Greek philosopher who profoundly effected western philosophy. He lived from 469 to 399 B.C.E. He was the teacher of Plato, who taught Aristotle.

Socrates was born in Athens, Greece to Sophroniscus, a sculptor, and Phaenarete. He had regular education in elementary literature, music, and gymnastics, and eventually became a potter, following the craft of his father. Socrates was tutored by Archelaus. For awhile, he was interested in science, influenced by the works of Anaxagoras, but eventually gave that up to study of the development of moral character. After awhile, he decided to become a stonemason and raise his children with his wife, Xanthippe. Finally, Socrates decided to practice philosophical dialog. (source)

Socrates was not one to simply ask one question, he would ask many questions. In Plato's Meno, which is a dialog between Socrates and Meno, there is a whole discussion on whether virtue can be taught. He asks a lot of questions and finally decides that virtue is a gift given by the gods, not distributed to everyone, so virtue is not something that can be taught. On the other hand, Plato thinks that virtue is a type of knowledge, therefore can be taught. Socrates said some very famous things.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap, whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart.

As portrayed in Meno, he couldn't accept yes or no for an answer. Even the fictional character of Meno was confused by some of the brilliant thinkings of Socrates.

Socrates made no writings in his lifetime, so all his teachings we have to get through the writings of his students. Some of his most prevailing students were Plato, who tutored Aristotle, and Xenophon. The only problem is that Plato was someone who would mix his own ideas into the teachings of Socrates, so we can't be sure of his exact teachings, but we do have an accurate idea of his methods. Socrates very much believed in the pursuit of truth. (source) One of Socrates conclusions was that happiness depends solely on living a moral life. Socrates was even compared to Jesus for his arguments in the area of religion.

Socrates tried to stay away from politics, but was tried for ignoring the gods, and bringing in new divine beings. He was sentenced to death by drinking Hemlock, the standard death sentence in Athens. He was sentenced to drink it in the evening, but drank it on his own earlier that day. Socrates died in 399 BC leaving behind a great legacy.

Sacks, David. "Socrates." Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World, Revised Edition. Revised by Lisa R. Brody. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Ancient and Medieval History Online.

Sheldon, Garrett Ward. "Socrates, political thought of." Encyclopedia of Political Thought. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2001. Ancient and Medieval History Online.