Socrates
A classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy
Real World Example
Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher who lived during Athens' Golden Age, around the 5th century BCE. He is known for developing the Socratic method, a way of questioning that encourages critical thinking and dialogue to arrive at truth and understanding. His ideas challenged traditional beliefs and encouraged people to think independently, which was important in a time when society was focused on exploring new ideas in philosophy, science, and the arts. Today, Socrates' influence can be seen in modern education systems, where critical thinking and open dialogue are valued skills. For example, when students engage in class discussions to explore different viewpoints, they are practicing the Socratic method, which helps them develop reasoning and problem-solving skills.