Socrates was born c. 470 in Athens, Greece, and died in 399 BC in Athens, Greece. Socrates was a Greek philosopher and founder of Western philosophy. His ideas are known through accounts by students Plato and Xenophon. He engaged in dialogues, inspiring the Socratic dialogue genre. Accused of impiety and corrupting youth, he faced a trial, death sentence, and declined escape, spending his final day in prison.