Socrates (c.470-399 BC), Greek philosopher. One of the most famous thinkers of antiquity, Socrates introduced a new critical approach to philosophy and science. He spent much of his life in discussion and debate with both the youth of Athens and leading philosophers of the day. He enjoyed a reputation as the wisest of all men, but in 399 BC - having been convicted of neglecting the city gods and corrupting the youth of Athens - he was forced to drink a fatal draught of hemlock. His ideas and life story are known to us through the writings of his pupil, Plato. This engraving first appeared in The History of Philosophy by Thomas Stanley, published in London in 1656.