Socrates Biography: Education, Age, Career, Height, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher widely considered one of the founders of Western philosophy.

Known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, Socrates is best remembered for developing the Socratic method—a cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking.

Profile

• Full Name: Socrates
• Stage Name: Socrates
• Born: Circa 470 BCE
• Date of death: 399 BCE (Age: 71 years)
• Birthplace: Athens, Greece
• Nationality: Greek
• Occupation: Philosopher
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Sophroniscus and Phenix
• Siblings: Patrocles
• Spouse: Xanthippe
• Children: Lamprocles, Sophroniscus, and Menexenus
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Socrates was born around 470 BCE in Athens, Greece, to the sculptor Sophroniscus and his wife Phenix, and had a brother named Patrocles.

While little is known about his early life or formal education, it is believed that Socrates initially trained as a sculptor before turning to philosophy.

Of Athenian Greek descent, Socrates rejected the anthropomorphic portrayal of gods and questioned the value of ritual sacrifices in his philosophical inquiries.

Career

Socrates‘ intellectual journey centered on the idea that individuals should examine their lives to achieve wisdom.

He did not leave behind written works, but his philosophy has been preserved through the writings of his students, particularly Plato, Xenophon, and others. Socrates’ career as a philosopher was defined by his method of inquiry, known as the Socratic method.

This method involved asking probing questions to help individuals discover answers for themselves, rather than simply teaching them directly. It was a revolutionary approach emphasizing dialogue and critical thinking, laying the foundation for Western systems of logic and philosophy.

In addition to his method, Socrates is credited with laying the groundwork for ethics as a branch of philosophy. His emphasis on the importance of knowledge for virtue and his belief that individuals should live by reason became central themes in the development of moral philosophy.

His influence extended far beyond his lifetime, as his student Plato went on to establish the Academy in Athens, furthering the philosophical ideas Socrates had begun.

Although Socrates never held official power, he was well-known in Athens for his dialogues and his willingness to question his time’s political and social norms, which ultimately led to his trial and execution.

Despite his significant influence, Socrates faced resistance from the authorities in Athens, who saw his ideas as a threat to traditional thinking. In 399 BCE, he was imprisoned for corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety.

Socrates was found guilty and sentenced to death by consuming a drink containing poison hemlock. His trial and death were documented in Plato’s Apology and remain a defining moment in the history of philosophy, symbolizing the philosopher’s commitment to truth and reason, even in the face of death.

Social Media

Socrates does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

According to historical accounts, Socrates married Xanthippe, who was known for her difficult temperament.

Despite their tumultuous relationship, they had three children together. Socrates‘ personal life was marked by his dedication to philosophy and disregard for material wealth.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, he lived modestly. He devoted his life to intellectual pursuits rather than acquiring riches or fame, and therefore, little is known about his relationships beyond his marriage.

Net Worth

Socrates did not accumulate wealth or seek financial gain from his philosophical teachings.

His intellectual pursuits were focused on the search for truth, not material success. As he did not charge for his teachings, there is no record of his net worth.