Socrates was a famous ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and logic. Living in Athens during the 5th century BC, he is often considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. Socrates is renowned for his Socratic method—a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue characterized by asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. He focused on ethics and the nature of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and the pursuit of virtue. Although he left no written works, his ideas and teachings were documented by his students, particularly Plato, profoundly influencing philosophical thought and education in subsequent generations.