Biography

Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.) Socrates, fifth-century Athenian, created such a high standard for the rest of philosphers. He transformed philosophy as a whole. Truth, critical reasoning, and examples are what he believed in. Also, Socrates was dedicated to knowledge and truth, two of his most important qualities to find in others. Socrates showed great interest in Anaxagoras’ philosophies, but later came up with his own philosophies about the development of a person’s moral character. He used his independence and lack of responsibility to focus on inventing philosophical dialogue. Socrates later devoted himself to discussion with citizens of Athens and offered to teach them his beliefs. The best sources of Socrates’ philosophical views are from one of his students, Plato and Xenophon. Plato provides pictures of the methods and teachings of Socrates. Socrates never wrote anything down because he felt education was a living, active thing. Everything we know about Socrates’ philosophies was passed down from Plato. Socrates’ conversations were aimed at understanding and achieving virtue. He believed that by discovering the main parts of human life, we will live better lives. Socrates taught his students and firmly believed that virtue can be taught and leads to the study of your mind. Socrates firmly believes that knowledge and virtue are so related that no one ever willing does evil or bad things. I agree with this to some extent, because at times, people do choose to do a bad thing knowing that it is not right.

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