The most influential thinker in the fifth century was Socrates (in English pronounced /ˈsɒkrətiːz/), whose philosophy had influenced many people even in the present days. The co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs had once quoted, “I would trade all of my technology for an afternoon with Socrates”. This had shown the influence of this great philosopher. Socrates had developed a philosophy and through his teachings and his students’—Plato and Aristotle—the philosophy had won the attention and respect of thinking man everywhere. The three great Socratic philosopher; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle had been ‘rediscovered’ during the Renaissance period and since then had great influence on the Western world.
Almost nothing is known about the child hood of Socrates. Details about Socrates life can be derived from three sources; the dialogues of Plato, Xenophon (a devotee of Socrates), and the plays of Aristophanes. Aristophanes’ works, however, function as a parody. For example, in his play The Clouds, Socrates was portrayed as a clown who teaches his student to bamboozle their way out of debt. On the other hand, reports from Plato and Xenophon are more reliable as both are immediate students and devotees of Socrates. Plato’s dialogue had described Socrates attended the school of Athens until he was 18, in which he joins the army. He had served Athens in the warfare with Sparta and had been known to participate in three battles; battle of Petidaea (in which he saved the life of Alcibiades, a popular Athenian general), Delium, and Amphipolis. On Plato and Xenophon’s account, Socrates refused any payment for teaching. He worked from time to time as a stonecutter and sculptor, and had completed two works of sculpture; Hermes and The Three Graces. According to Plato, Socrates married Xanthippe, and has three sons.
Due to the fact that Socrates wrote nothing regarding his philosophical insights and methods, we depend on the writings of his students, especially Plato and Xenophon for any detailed knowledge of his methods. Socrates devoted most of his adult life to the development of philosophy and to teach his followers who attach themselves to his dialogue discussion groups. He was more of a guide than a teacher as he and his students practically ask and answer questions among each other. This dialogue discussion method, also known as Socratic Method is his important contribution to the world. Athens became the classroom of Socrates as he went about asking questions about authorities and of the man in the streets in order to achieve political and moral truths. He questioned his fellow students and encouraged them to think a problem through until they reach a logical conclusion. In this method, a problem would be broken down into a series of questions. This method is still being used nowadays, especially in scientific methods in which it is known as hypothesis.
Diogenes Laertius, a biographer who wrote about Greek’s philosopher had reported in his famous writing, “Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers” that Socrates had once quoted, “I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance“. This is unique as being aware of his ignorance is what actually makes Socrates wise. He used his philosophy to look into himself and to find a way for a happy and fulfilling life.
Some people in Athens view Socrates as a social and moral critic. According to Plato, prominent Athenians turned their backs against him as his paradoxical wisdom makes them looks foolish when they involved in public dialogues session. This caused the prominent to turn their back on him and he was accused of wrongdoings. Socrates was put on trial and had been found guilty for corrupting the minds of Athens’ youths and impiety—not believing in the gods of the state. He was asked to propose his own punishment, and Socrates suggest a wage to be paid by the government and free dinners for the rest of his life to make up with the time he spent as an Athens’ benefactor. According to Xenophon, he purposely gave that remark because he thinks that he might be better off dead. The juries, which comprised of Athenian citizen selected by lottery voted death as the penalty. When he was jailed, waiting for the death sentence, Socrates’ followers encourage him to escape—they even came out with a foolproof escape plan. Even Plato and Xenophon agreed that Socrates had a good chance of escaping, as they could bribe the guards. Socrates, however, refused. He believed that to escape is to show a fear of death, in which no philosopher has. Besides that, he also stress that if he escaped and flee to other country, the people in that country will eventually go against him as he will continue questioning, causing their displeasure. Furthermore, Socrates stated that he was accused by Athens’ citizens and judged guilty by Athens’ citizen (the juries). For him, to escape means to break his social contract with Athens, which will lead to the detriment of the state. This action is contrary with his Socratic principles.
Even though his contribution in culture and philosophy vanished along with the fall of the Roman Empire, his teachings had later been rediscovered during renaissance era. Socrates had been mentioned by many eminent people; among them is al-Kindi, a well-known Arabic philosopher, who had introduced and tried to relate Socrates’ philosophy to Islamic audience. A number of paintings had been made, depicting his life; among them is Socrates Tears Alcibiades from the Embrace of Sensual Pleasure by Jean-Baptiste Regnault and The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David in 18th century.
To this day, the Socratic Method is still used in classroom and the world appreciates him in recognition of his contributions to education.
