Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy. By far the most important source of information about Socrates is Plato, who depicts him as a contradictory character. Plato's dialogues feature Socrates as a teacher who denies having disciples, as a man of reason who obeys a divine voice in his head, a pious man who is executed for religious improprieties. Socrates disparages the pleasures of the senses, yet is excited by youthful beauty; he is devoted to the education of the boys of Athens, yet indifferent to his own sons; few other characters have so fascinated the western world.