Socrates (circa 470-399 BC): Greek philosopher, who was born and lived in Athens.

Socratic irony is a teaching method whereby the philosopher confesses ignorance, and so seeks instruction. However, the "ignorant" philosopher's searching questions tend rather to reveal the ignorance of the professed instructor. Once the confidence of the instructor is broken down, both the philosopher and the instructor can begin a genuine philosophical inquiry, without any preconceived and ill-defined notions of knowledge to hinder them.