Socrates, if anything, was a critic of the Athenian democratic system, particularly the ease with which speakers could sway votes by pandering to the worst tendencies, or vices, of the people.

From Plato’s admiration to Aristophanes’ mockery, this animated explainer uncovers who Socrates really was, if he existed at all.

Key points. His students Plato and Xenophon described Socrates as ugly and made much out of this. But his supposed repulsiveness did not prevent Socrates from leading a rich and remarkable love life.

Plato vs. Porsches Gen Z is questioning college. Hucksters are taking advantage of them. Kimberly Elliott for BI Miles MacClure. 2025-05-01T08:11:01Z Share. Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy ...

Socrates’ method was to clear his students’ minds of abstractions and assumptions, so that they might attain self-knowledge and learn the practical wisdom of living well. His pupil Plato ...