Socrates, an Athenian Greek of the second half of the fifth
century bc, wrote no philosophical works but was uniquely
influential in the later history of philosophy. His
philosophical interests were restricted to ethics and the
conduct of life, topics which thereafter became central to
philosophy. He discussed these in public places in Athens,
sometimes with other prominent intellectuals or political
leaders, sometimes with young men, who gathered round him in
large numbers, and other admirers. Among these young men was
Plato. Socrates' philosophical ideas and - equally important for
his philosophical influence - his personality and methods as a
'teacher' were handed on to posterity in the 'dialogues' that
several of his friends wrote after his death, depicting such
discussions. Only those of Xenophon (Memorabilia,Apology,
Symposium) and the early dialogues of Plato survive (for example
Euthyphro, Apology, Crito). Later Platonic dialogues such as
Phaedo, Symposium and Republic do not present the historical So