Socrates: Philosophy to Science

Science – or, with respect to this writing, natural philosophy – is concerned with observing, collecting and analyzing natural phenomena in order to form a collective body of knowledge that defines, explains and attempts to predict the respective phenomenon being studied. Although science, at least in its contemporary definition, did not begin until sometime during the fifteenth century AD1, the intricacies that form its core have technically been occurring since arrival of Homo sapiens on the planet. Prior to 1543, in what is now referred to as the Scientific Revolution2, the observation of natural phenomenon and consequent inferences of such obviously still occurred; back then, however, it was discipline known as philosophy and the people studying it were called philosophers. Alas, when it comes to the study of philosophy (or, history and the humanities), Socrates is a name that arises early and often, ultimately serving as the very essence of western philosophy, as its foundation can easily be traced all the way back to his teachings3. Regarding the very early contributors of science, Socrates’ name is largely absent from many of the specific textbooks offered within the hard sciences field of study, however.
Socrates’ relative contributions are not completely devoid of text; rather, since his offerings were more indirectly related to the modern definition of science, it prompts the switching of mindset from the scientific perspective to that of a historical one, in order to gain a true understanding of just how critical a figure he was to the field of natural philosophy. Socrates would, in using what little we do know about him as evidence, still be considered more of a philosopher than a scientist even today, as his impact throughout the fields of ethics, elenchus4 (or, Socratic Method) - a style of education he created and, consequently, in the field of epistemology cannot be understated. Socrates was born in Athens during the year 469 BCE, an era

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