Socrates

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher who was credited as one of the founders of western philosophy. He was born in 470 BC and died when he was 71 years old in 399 BC. He tried to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. He thought that human choice was motivated by desire for happiness. Socrates used something called the socratic method where he asked questions in order to stimulate thinking. He was accused of corrupting the youth and worshipping false gods so he was sentenced to death. He was put in prison and when given the chance to escape he refused. He was forced to drink Hemlock (poison) and died.