Socrates

Socrates was born in Athens to a stonemason father and midwife mother. Unlike other philosophers of his time, he didn't write anything down; our knowledge of him comes primarily through his students, especially Plato. Socrates served as a hoplite (soldier) in the Peloponnesian War and was known for his exceptional endurance and courage. He developed a unique method of philosophical inquiry (the Socratic method) that involved questioning assumptions and beliefs to expose contradictions and reach deeper understanding. He married Xanthippe and had three sons. Socrates spent his life engaging citizens in philosophical discussions in the streets and markets of Athens. In 399 BCE, he was put on trial for 'corrupting the youth' and 'impiety.' Despite opportunities to escape execution, he chose to accept his death sentence by drinking hemlock, believing it was better to suffer injustice than to commit it.