Athenian Gallery

Plato, caricature

Plato. Caricature of the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 BC). Plato's spirit of rational inquiry led to today's scientific method. His writings shaped and continue to have a profound influence on Western thought. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the foundations of natural philosophy, science, and Western philosophy. He founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world

© GARY BROWN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Socrates, caricature

Socrates. Caricature of the Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (c.470-399 BC). Socrates is credited with introducing a new and critical attitude in philosophy and science. He was said to be the wisest of all men, but having been convicted of neglecting the city gods and corrupting the youth of Athens, he was forced to drink a fatal draught of hemlock

© GARY BROWN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher

Socrates (c.470-399 BC), Ancient Greek philosopher, credited with introducing a new and critical attitude in philosophy and science. He was said to be the wisest of all men, but having been convicted of neglecting the city gods and corrupting the youth of Athens, he was forced to drink a fatal draught of hemlock. Engraving, based on a bust in the Louvre, Paris, from Vies des Savants Illustres (1877)

© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY