Socrates significantly influenced modern philosophy through his method of questioning, which encouraged critical thinking and self-examination. His approach, known as the Socratic Method, involved engaging dialogue to stimulate deeper understanding and expose contradictions in thought. Socrates' emphasis on ethics and virtue laid the foundation for Western philosophy and later thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. Despite leaving no written records, his ideas, primarily documented by Plato, continue to shape discussions on morality, knowledge, and the purpose of life, influencing countless philosophical movements throughout history.