SOCRATES

Published on 23 Nov 2025

Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens credited as the founder of Western philosophy and among the first moral philosophers of the ethical tradition of thought.

Core Values 

• Wisdom: Socrates believed in the pursuit of wisdom as a fundamental virtue. He famously asserted that “an unexamined life is not worth living,” emphasising the importance of self-awareness and intellectual exploration.

• Example: The wisdom of Vikram Sarabhai led to the establishment of ISRO 

• Socratic Method: He employed the Socratic method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking, encouraging others to arrive at answers through reasoned dialogue and introspection.

• Example: The discussions at Parliament before arriving at a legislative action.

• Truth: Socrates was dedicated to the pursuit of truth and sought to uncover it through critical questioning and dialogue. He valued truth over superficial beliefs and opinions.

• Example: Gadgil committee report about the vulnerabilities of Western Ghat

• Virtue: Socrates believed that knowledge of the good (virtue) was the path to a flourishing life. He saw virtue as a form of wisdom that led to ethical behaviour and moral excellence

• Example: APJ Abdul Kalam rose to the heights due to his belief in being a virtuous man.

• Humility: Despite his reputation as a wise man, Socrates maintained a sense of humility. He acknowledged his own ignorance and encouraged others to do the same, fostering a humble approach to knowledge.

• Example: The simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi even when he was leading one of the largest movements the world has ever seen.

• Ethical Integrity: Socrates practised what he preached, living a simple and frugal life. He refused to compromise his ethical principles, even in the face of death.

• Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning from the position of Railway Minister after taking cognisance of an accident.

• Intellectual Courage: Socrates was not afraid to challenge conventional beliefs and engage in debates that challenged the status quo. His intellectual courage inspired critical thinking and self-examination.

• Example: The life of Raja Rammohan Roy.

Quotes

•  “An honest man is always a child.”

• “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.”

• “He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.”

• “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.”

• “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

• “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”

• “I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.”

• “To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”

• “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”

• “To find yourself, think for yourself.”

Socrates’ ethical and moral values continue to influence philosophy, ethics, and education to this day. His commitment to wisdom, truth, and virtue serves as a timeless guide for those seeking to lead an examined and morally upright life.

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
SOCRATES Greek philosopher from Athens Western philosophy wisdom virtue truth humility courage MORAL THINKERS PHILOSOPHERS An honest man is always a child True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life ourselves and the world around us He is richest who is content with the least for content is the wealth of nature The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be The unexamined life is not worth living By all means marry. If you get a good wife you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one you’ll become a philosopher I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge Wonder is the beginning of wisdom To find yourself think for yourself

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Philosophical Thinkers