Socrates of Athens
The founder of Western moral philosophy, Socrates left no written works but transformed philosophy through the dialectical method recorded by Plato and Xenophon. He was executed by Athens for impiety and corrupting the youth. His insistence that the unexamined life is not worth living remains the motto of philosophy itself.
Works
- Apology (as recorded)Socrates defends himself philosophically against charges in Athenian court
- Crito (as recorded)Socrates argues for obedience to just laws despite personal injustice
- Phaedo (as recorded)Socrates' philosophical discourse on death and immortality before execution
- The Republic (as recorded)Socratic dialogue exploring justice, knowledge, and ideal governance
- Symposium (as recorded)Dialogue on the nature of love expressed through mythic and philosophical speeches