Socrates Timeline: Life, Philosophy & Legacy
Discover Socrates’ biography, major life events, best quotes, and how his teachings continue to shape modern thought.
Who Was Socrates?
Socrates (470/469 – 399 BCE) was an Athenian philosopher credited with laying the groundwork for Western philosophy. Known for the Socratic method and his emphasis on ethical inquiry, he influenced generations through his dialogues recorded by Plato and Xenophon.
Socrates’ Timeline: Key Events
| Year (BCE) | Event |
|---|---|
| 470/469 | Born in Athens |
| 450s–440s | Served as a hoplite in the Peloponnesian War |
| ~430s | Began teaching Plato and Xenophon |
| 423 | Satirized in Aristophanes' comedy The Clouds |
| 399 | Tried and executed for impiety and corrupting youth |
Top Socratic Quotes
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
“I know that I know nothing.”
“To find yourself, think for yourself.”
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
Socrates’ Philosophical Contributions
- Ethics: Focused on virtue and moral reasoning over material success.
- Epistemology: Promoted knowledge through questioning and dialogue.
- Socratic dialogue: A method to uncover assumptions and stimulate critical thinking.
The Socratic Method Explained
The Socratic method involves asking a series of guided questions to stimulate thought, uncover contradictions, and arrive at truth. It is widely used in modern education, especially in law, philosophy, and ethics courses.
Why Was Socrates Executed?
Socrates was condemned by the Athenian court for allegedly corrupting the youth and failing to respect the city’s gods. He chose not to flee, accepting execution as a form of moral integrity.
Socrates’ Influence on Plato and Aristotle
Plato recorded most of Socrates’ philosophy through dialogues like Apology and Phaedo. Aristotle, Plato’s student, built on these ideas to create the foundation of Western science, ethics, and logic.
Final Thoughts on Socrates’ Legacy
Socrates' unwavering pursuit of truth, ethics, and intellectual humility remains an enduring influence on education, leadership, and philosophy.