Socrates: The Hemlock Connoisseur (469 - 399 B.C.)

Socrates, born in 469 B.C., was an influential Greek philosopher known for his probing inquiries into ethics, justice, and the nature of existence. He served as a mentor to numerous students, including Plato, and his teaching style, known as the Socratic method, involved questioning assumptions to stimulate critical thinking. Despite his contributions to Athenian society, Socrates faced opposition and was ultimately sentenced to death by hemlock in 399 B.C. for allegedly corrupting the youth and impiety. His trial and execution, as depicted in Plato's "Apology," cemented his status as a martyr for intellectual freedom and philosophical inquiry, leaving a profound legacy that continues to inspire philosophical thought and discourse to this day.