Born in Athens around 469 BC to stonemason Sophroniscus and midwife Phaenarete, Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher, widely respected as one of the founders of Western Philosophy. He didn’t pen any texts himself; what we know of his teachings is primarily from dialogues of his pupil, Plato.
During his youth, Socrates had exposure to a vast variety of disciplines, which included geometry, astronomy, music, and gymnastics. Yet, his profound interest lay in discerning the principles governing human behavior and morality.
Socrates introduced the concept of ethics into Greek philosophy, questioning predefined notions of piety, virtue, and justice. He encouraged individuals to undertstand their moral responsibilities and virtues through self-introspection, a method known as “Socratic Dialogue.” This method, featuring critical thinking and inquiry, prompted people to question their beliefs, cultivating a form of skeptical philosophy.
Socrates held that the soul was immortal and advocated living a just life to purify the soul, displaying a holistic view of the synergy between body and soul. Cast as a man of integrity and wisdom throughout Plato’s writings, Socrates’ teachings laid the foundations for Western systems of logic and philosophy. Despite leaving no written works, his most valuable legacy remains the Socratic method that revolutionized the approach to learning and thought.
#1. Question text: Where was Socrates born?
B is the answer. The text mentions Socrates was born in Athens around 469 BC.
#2. Question text: From whom primarily do we learn about Socrates' teachings?
C is the answer. Socrates didn’t pen any texts himself. What we know of his teachings is primarily from dialogues of his pupil, Plato.
#3. Question text: What method did Socrates introduce for understanding moral responsibilities and virtues?
C is the answer. Socrates introduced the Socratic Dialogue as a method for self-introspection and understanding of moral responsibilities and virtues.
#4. Question text: What notion did Socrates infuse into the Greek philosophy?
D is the answer. Socrates introduced the concept of ethics into Greek philosophy, questioning predefined notions of piety, virtue, and justice.
#5. Question text: What view on the soul did Socrates profess?
C is the answer. Socrates held that the soul was immortal and advocated living a just life to purify the soul.
#6. Question text: What is Socrates' most notable legacy?
C is the answer. Despite leaving no written works, Socrates’ most valuable legacy remains the Socratic method that revolutionized the approach to learning and thought.