The great Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle shaped what we define as modern-day philosophy. By questioning the firmly-held belief that the gods were responsible for everything, and suggesting more rational explanations for day-to-day events instead, the philosophers had a profound effect on society. Not surprisingly these new ideas were not welcomed by all, and some philosophers were persecuted for their corrupting influence. Socrates was sentenced to death by an Athenian jury, but his work inspired Plato who went on to create a school of thought that changed governmental practices and addressed the welfare of society.
