Socrates 469 399 BC Considered father of Western

Socrates 469 -399 BC Considered father of Western Philosophy

n n Never recorded any of his thoughts Plato, one of his students, kept his teachings and beliefs alive in his writing documenting Socrates incarceration and eventually his execution.

Socrates Beliefs n n Wisdom is awareness of own self ignorance, especially through the acquisition of self-awareness and self knowledge Self-awareness and self-knowledge were key to becoming an individual who can think and analyze for himself/herself

Virtues n n n Humility-the quality or state of being humble (not arrogant/proud) Frugality-characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources Simplicity-uncomplicated

Quotes n n “As for me, all I know is that I know nothing. ” “False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil. ” “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. ” “Wisdom begins in wonder. ”

His Belief n n n Seeking the truth in all things by asking questions and constantly dissecting all viewpoints and ideas Freewheel discussion with the youth of Athens- to discover or expand upon new ideas Questioned everything

Rejected n n By members of Greece’s government/sophists Forced to make a public apology: but quite the opposite-think for yourself and never accept a statement as truth unless you have truly researched its roots

Death Sentence n n n Drank hemlock-any of several poisonous herbs (as a poison hemlock or a water hemlock) of the carrot family having finely cut leaves and small white flowers Could have escaped but did not Die with dignity

n Poison hemlock, allegedly the plant used to poison the Greek philosopher Socrates, is a common sight along Ohio roadsides. All parts of this plant are highly toxic.