Thinker × theme

Socrates quotes on knowledge

2 verified English passages where Socrates’ thought meets questions of knowledge.

Socrates on knowledge

Socrates (c. 470/469–399 BCE) approaches knowledge within Socratic philosophy. Socratic method is elenchus: cooperative yet relentless cross-examination that tests definitions and reveals contradiction in moral claims. He links virtue with a kind of knowledge and suggests that wrongdoing stems from ignorance rather than clear-eyed choice. On this page, the archive isolates English passages where that project meets knowledge most directly—useful for searches such as “socrates quotes on knowledge.”

How to use this page

Start with the shortest passage, then compare tone across sources. Return to the Socrates thinker page for biography and to the knowledge theme for other voices on the same question.

Frequently asked

What did Socrates say about knowledge?

The quotations below are the archive’s curated answer: English renderings selected for clarity and attribution, not a complete corpus.

Where else should I read after socrates on knowledge?

Related themes: Philosophy , Self , Freedom , Life , Wisdom , Nature .

  1. What I do not know, I do not claim to know.
    Q0002
    Plato, Apology 21d (later paraphrase of the idea)
  2. No one errs willingly.