Socrates ([470 B.C.]
? - [399 B.C.]
?), Greek (
Athenian) philosopher. Arguably, his most important contribution to Western thought is his method of enquiry, known as the method of
elenchos?, which could be said to have served as the foundation for the subsequent Western philosophy. This method customarily involves questions about the definitions or
logoi? (singular
logos?) of important moral concepts, in particular, what are customarily known as the
five cardial virtues, namely,
piety?,
wisdom?,
temperance?,
courage?, and
justice. Such questions delve into implicit moral beliefs of the interlocutors, who, in answering such questions, are often led to realize inadequacies and inconsistencies in their beliefs. Socrates himself professed ignorance on such matters, while paradoxically claiming a special kind of wisdom on the strength of the awareness of such ignorance.
Socrates left no writings; all that we know of Socrates comes from the writings of his contemporaries such as Aristophanes, immediate followers such as Plato and Xenophon, and the next generation followers such as Aristotle.
It is believed that Socrates's father was a stone mason or sculptor and his mother a midwife, and that he was married to Xanthippe who bore him three children. He carried out his military duty courageously, but devoted most of his time to talking to whoever would listen either in a market place or in the houses of rich patrons.
Socrates lived during the period of transition from the height of Athenian Empire to her defeat by Sparta? and its coalition. Socrates' practice was often resented by many influential figures of the time, because their reputation of wisdom and virtue was debunked by his questions. As Athens was seeking to recover from the humiliating defeat, upon the instigation of three leading figures at the time, the Athenian public court tried Socrates on the charge of impiety and corrupting the young, found him guilty as charged, and executed him by ordering him to drink hemlock - see The Trial of Socrates.
Socrates (born
February 19,
1954;
Brazil) is also the nickname of a Brazilian
football player, who is one of the best midfield players in football history. A noted intellectual, and heavy smoker, he will always be remembered for his contribution to the
World Cup competitions of the 1980s.
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