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How did Socrates influence Stoicism and Skepticism?

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Socrates
Socrates Herm of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, from a Greek original, second half of the 4th century bce; in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.

Socrates profoundly influenced both Stoicism and Skepticism, though these schools interpreted his legacy in distinct ways.1

Influence on Stoicism

Stoicism drew heavily from the Socratic doctrine that virtue is sufficient for happiness and that a good person cannot be harmed. While the influence of Socrates on the school's founder, Zeno of Citium, was mediated by the Cynics, later Roman Stoics like Epictetus viewed Socrates as the ultimate paradigm of inner strength. Additionally, the Stoic belief that divine intelligence governs the world mirrors ideas attributed to Socrates by Xenophon.1

Influence on Skepticism

Skepticism, particularly within Platoā€™s Academy, utilized the Socratic method to challenge the knowledge claims of others. Leaders like Arcesilaus used Socratic questioning to expose contradictions, leading them to advocate for a suspension of judgment. However, while Socrates claimed only to lack knowledge while still valuing certain truths, the Skeptics extended this to a broader suspension of all convictions, arguing that truth cannot be distinguished from falsity.12