Socrates: (470?-399 B.C.E.) A Greek philosopher whose ideas influenced western ideals the family. He said nature provided a model for a well-formed society. Those in society who had the greater capacity for understanding would go farther and be more superior. The Greek family was based on a misogyny, or lack of respect for women. The male babies were more welcome than females and divorce could only be initiated by males. These fundamentals of the Greek society were a base for other family structures in the future. Socrates's philosophical approach focused on the ethical values of a family and said a good life is illuminated by reason. --Lauren Wood