How Did Socrates Influence The Western World

“The beginning is the most important part of the work,” declared Plato before he became a memorable figure along with other great figures of influence such as Aristotle and Socrates. Information on “Socrates,” was provided by Christopher Shields; Socrates was a man filled with questions on just about everything. Richard Kraut on “Plato;” Plato helped with higher learning in the western world. Debra Nails on “Aristotle;” Aristotle laid much of the preliminary for western thought. Timothy Baker Shutt on, “The Foundations of Western Thought,” what influenced the foundation of modern western thought. Greek has changed since its first day. Some of the most well known and major influences in the greek world are Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The

Socrates despised the Sophists. Sophists wouldn’t teach their students truths but instead would persuaded them to truths they’d made up. Socrates had seen through this and had challenged this way of thought by searching for the truth and not made up truths. Socrates had gone against the Sophist in order to provide a better education for students. Finally Socrates inspired people to question the very world we live in and it’s wonders. “He addressed timeless, universal, fundamental questions with insight and intelligence, our own understanding of such questions is heightened” (Nails). Socrates is a very well known person for asking questions all the time. Many people nowadays are doing it as well. Socrates had opened a gate way for others to explore. Before that people felt that most things were due to the presence of gods or beings. Socrates allowed thoughts and ideas to be challenged through curiosity and questions. Socrates has influenced many parts of today's world. He influenced western philosophy, how schools are taught, and people's curiosity. After Socrates came Plato, a student of Socrates. Like Socrates Plato too had many influences. Three of them being ethics, republic address and justice system, and literature. “Plato's Republic is a contribution to ethics: a discussion of what the virtue justice is and why a person should be just” (Eric). This was significant as it was one of the earlier attempts to justify someone doing as good or bad and set the border line for others to continue to develop and improve. Plato’s ethics had also helped with his making of the republic address and justice system. Plato was also very well known for helping form the republic address and justice system. In the republic Plato feels that justice is necessary. Plato believes that justice, individually is a human virtue. “He displays in his