Socrates' views significantly influenced modern philosophy by emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge. His Socratic method, a form of questioning that encourages deep exploration of ideas, challenged societal norms and encouraged individuals to seek truth rather than accept conventions blindly. Socrates advocated for a life of virtue and self-examination, arguing that understanding oneself is essential for ethical living. His ideas laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical inquiry, significantly impacting the works of thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, shaping Western philosophical traditions.