Socrates is an ancient Greek philosopher credited amongst the other philosophers for finding the western philosophy. He is especially recognized for his contribution in the writings of his students, Plato and Xenophon. Through the famous writings of Plato’s dialogues, Socrates has made a significant contribution to the subject of modern ethics. Born in 469 BC, Socrates is well known for his ideas of Socratic irony and Socratic Method.

Socratic Method:-
The Socratic Method devised by Socrates himself implies on the examination of key factors like good and justice by using a dialectic inquiry process. This systematic method includes the division of a problem and smaller questions and accordingly finding proper answers to these questions. This sophisticated procedure forms the base of the modern politics, ethics and morals and all other centralized themes in western philosophy.

Socrates’ Philosophy:-
A very small account regarding the philosophical beliefs and theories of Socrates is present. Most of the beliefs and theories of Socrates are included in the writings of Plato’s dialogues. Although people argue that the dialogues were written by Plato and Socrates was only a character in them, it is acclaimed that Socrates did make a significant contribution by putting forward his ideas and knowledge in them. It is actually very difficult to separate the beliefs of Plato, Socrates and Xenophon from each other given the fact that how closely they were related in a mentor-student relationship. Socrates is renowned for posing questions to others of which he himself had little knowledge.

Socrates’ Trial and Death:-
Socrates lived in an era in Greece when there was a rivalry between Athens and Sparta which led to constant battles. Although, Socrates has claimed his loyalty to the Athenians, he would praise the Spartans in his dialogues and writings. He used to criticize the Athenian politics on the basis of moral and social issues. This and certain other issues led the Athenians to go against him. The city of Athens found him at fault for corrupting the minds of people with his knowledge and wisdom. A trial was conducted in which Socrates was asked to define his punishment himself. Socrates said that the government should pay him wages and arrange for him free dinners till the time that he spends for the benefits of the city. He was eventually sentenced to death by giving a mixture that contained a poison hemlock.

Descriptions: This article describes about Socrates; his life, his ideas, philosophy and the trial that he faced which eventually led to his death.