Socrates's writings, primarily conveyed through the works of his students like Plato, were profoundly influenced by various philosophical and cultural factors. His commitment to ethical inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge drove his dialectical method, often questioning societal norms and ideologies of ancient Athens. Key influences included the Pre-Socratic philosophers, whom he reacted against, and his experiences engaging with Athenian democracy, leading him to challenge the status quo. Socratic irony and the concept of the examined life emerged from his reflections on morality and wisdom, which would become foundational to Western philosophy.