Socrates is best known for his contributions to philosophy, notably the development of the Socratic method, which encourages critical thinking through questioning. He emphasized the importance of self-knowledge and ethical living, asserting that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Socratic teachings focused on morality, virtue, and the pursuit of truth. His ideas laid the groundwork for Western philosophical thought, influencing philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, and shaping discussions around ethics and governance.