The famous Greek philosopher known for his Socratic method is Socrates himself, who lived in Athens from approximately 470 to 399 BCE. He is considered one of the foundational figures in Western philosophy, profoundly influencing ethical thought and pedagogy. The Socratic method consists of asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas, encouraging students to explore their beliefs and assumptions. Socrates emphasized the importance of self-examination and declared that "the unexamined life is not worth living." His teachings were primarily conveyed through dialogues written by his students, notably Plato, as Socrates left no written records of his own.