Socrates: the founder of Western philosophy

 Socrates: the founder of Western philosophy 

" Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher,

And philosophy begins in wonder."

                 - Socrates quoted by Plato in theaetetus 

Introduction:

        Socrates was one of the most influential figures in western philosophy.we have no more information about him but through his students Plato and xenophon we came to know about his life and his ideas of philosophy. Socrates is renowned for his contribution to ethics and epistemology as well as he developed the Socrates method.

Early life:

Socrates was born in Athens, Greece around 469/470 BCE. His father Sophroniscus was a stonemason and his mother was a midwife.his family was not more wealthy that because he did not take more education. Socrates also worked as a stonemason during his early life.

During the peloponnesian war Socrates joined Athenian army and worked as a hoplite. Socrates fought in many battles and was noted for his bravery and courage.

" The unexamine life is not a living"

Socrates philosophical method:

Socrates was removed for his method of inquiry. Whereas he came to know that he was very brilliant ,he had desired that how he was more brilliant than others . He talked with everyone about his questions.

Socrates believed in the total ultimate truth one could reach by realizing once own ignorance. His famous words “ I know that I'm nothing” , perfectly sum up his philosophy of intellectual humility and the constant search for truth . His paradoxical wisdom emphasized that the awareness of their limitations was the basis of knowing the truth.

Socratic method:

     A form of dialectical questioning intended to simulate critical thinking and enlightening ideas rather than providing answers or making direct statements , Socrates asked a series of questions to help his interlocutors uncover the concept and assumption underlying their beliefs.

Lagacy and influence:

    Socrates' influence on Western philosophy is deep and far-reaching. His emphasis on ethical inquiry, the Socratic method and the pursuit of knowledge has influenced countless philosophers and thinkers.

    His influence is also evident in the works of his students and followers. in contemporary generation it might be very useful for students to develop their critical thinking skill and questioning.

Conclusion:

Socrates' philosophy fundamentally reshaped western thought. At heart of his philosophy is the socratic method, a dialectical technique that is used for simulating critical thinking and illuminating ideas through questioning.

Socrates questioning established norms and seeking the truth led deep reflection on human nature, ethics and knowledge.

Thank you.

References:

https://bhumibagohil333.blogspot.com/

https://medium.com/reinvention-space/the-socratic-method-8e9328b70deb

Wikipedia 

Other references are from different AI tools