Sócrates was an ancient Greek philosopher, born around 470 BCE in Athens. He is often considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. Unlike many philosophers, Sócrates did not write down his teachings; instead, he engaged in dialogues with others to explore ethical concepts and the nature of knowledge. His method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. Sócrates was known for his belief that "the unexamined life is not worth living." He challenged the status quo and often questioned the beliefs of his fellow Athenians. His ideas influenced many later philosophers, including his student Platão, who documented Sócrates' thoughts and dialogues in his own works.