Socrates

Foundational figure of Western philosophy who transformed critical thinking

Socrates (470-399 BCE) revolutionized intellectual inquiry through his Socratic method of questioning. Despite leaving no writings, his ideas - preserved by Plato - shaped 2,400 years of philosophical thought.

Key contributions:

• Developed dialectic reasoning techniques
• Established ethics as central to human existence
• Inspired Western philosophy's core traditions

His trial and execution (for 'corrupting youth' and impiety) became a landmark case for intellectual freedom. The Socratic legacy lives in:

• Modern education systems
• Legal cross-examination techniques
• Corporate problem-solving strategies

Through relentless questioning of Athenian norms, Socrates demonstrated that 'the unexamined life is not worth living' - a principle driving scientific and social progress to this day.