How Socrates Shaped Philosophy (Essay Sample)

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How Socrates Shaped Philosophy
Socrates remains widely acclaimed for much of the outgrowth and evolution of the philosophical environment around Greece. His influence is so extensive that the two philosophical eras in-between the time of Socrates are known as the Pre-Socratic philosophical era and the Post-Socratic philosophical era. As Dhiman (3) explains, Socrates was considered one of three significant figures in ancient Greece and Aristotle and Plato. All three figures lived in Athens around the 5th Century BCE. In his time, Socrates was admired within society, with many people looking to follow his integrity while also admiring his philosophical insight and argumentative skill.
Pre-Socratic Philosophy
There were many philosophers that actively contributed to the growth of thought in Greek society before the emergence of Socrates. Firstly, religious mythology played an active role in shaping initial philosophical discourse. As is the case today, it was a tremendous social force that helped shape human nature and society. Several Greek mythologists helped advance religious thought and shaped the philosophy of Greece at the time. Homer was one such mythologist who is most acclaimed for his work with the epic tales, Iliad and Odyssey (Edmonds III 5). These epics detail the adventures of Odysseus, with journeys into the underworld and other parts of the mythological world. The second prominent mythologist in ancient Greece was called Hesiod, and he was the author of the epic Theogony, which helped describe the origins of various deities