Socrates

• Socrates (c.469-399 BCE) was a Greek Athenian philosopher and is considered to be one of the Founders of Western Philosophy, along with Plato and Aristotle.
• Socrates wrote nothing as he believed in the oral tradition. We know of his thinking because Plato wrote it down in his Dialogues with Socrates.

Plato, Aristotle and Socrates

• Socrates was tutor to Plato who in turn was tutor to Aristotle. Together they are considered to be the Founders of Western Philosophy.

Hellenistic Philosophy (323-31 BCE)

• Socrates ideas became part of Platonism which was one of the two great schools of philosophy during the Period of Hellenistic Philosophy (323-31 BCE).
• The opposing school was Stoicism.

Death of Socrates

• His ideas were considered too threatening by the Government of the day.
• He was put on a charge of blasphemy against the Gods and executed by being administered ‘State Poison’ which was Hemlock.