No surviving writings by Socrates
We encounter him through other authors, especially Plato and Xenophon.
Socrates
Greek philosophy · ethical questioning
The person behind the ideas
Socrates (469–399 BCE) was an Athenian philosopher known through accounts by other writers, especially Plato and Xenophon. Their portrayals differ; his own voice cannot simply be separated from theirs.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Born
- 469 BCE
- Died
- 399 BCE
- Era
- Classical Athens
- Notable works
- No surviving writings by Socrates
- Tradition
- Greek philosophy · ethical questioning
Ideas and outlook
Socrates is remembered for examining claims about how to live through conversation. Plato, Xenophon and other writers preserve different portrayals; none can simply be treated as an unmediated recording of his voice.
About the works
Life milestones
- 399 BCE
Tried and executed in Athens; later accounts make his defence a lasting subject of philosophical reflection.
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Other quotes across journeys
From Socrates to the Stoics
the life which is unexamined is not worth living
Plato, Apology · 38a · Socrates speaking
Visit this journey →Source details
Plato, Apology · 38a · Socrates speaking; excerpt
These are the words of Socrates as portrayed by Plato, not a surviving transcript. In the trial speech, he explains why he cannot give up examining virtue. His uncompromising claim belongs to that defense; our invitation is to reflect, not to judge anyone’s life as worthless.
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