Socrates, one of ancient Greece’s greatest thinkers, is often called the father of Western philosophy. Instead of giving lectures, he taught by asking deep, thoughtful questions that challenged assumptions and inspired critical thinking — a style now known as the Socratic method. In 399 BCE, Socrates was sentenced to de*ath by the Athenian court for “corrupting the youth” and questioning traditional beliefs. Offered a chance to escape, he refused, believing it was better to die justly than to li