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

Socrates, of all the philosophers in the history of mankind, was probably the biggest pain in the ass. He believed argument itself was the core to understanding anyone, including himself.

Socrates. At any rate, you are more likely to escape detection, as you shift from one thing to its opposite, if you proceed in small steps rather than in large ones. Phaedrus.

World History Moment: The Death of Socrates. The famous Greek philosopher Socrates died on February 15, 399 BC. He died by drinking hemlock, after being found guilty by jury of 500 citizens.

Sabatini, who majored in philosophy and history in college, says he was well aware of how Socrates was executed for corrupting the youth and was trying to make a point: “5th century BC ...