Final answer:
Socrates and Plato introduced the concept of an abstract entity as a basis for understanding reality, departing from traditional Greek mythology. Their philosophical inquiries laid the foundation for Western thought, emphasizing reason over myth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socrates and Plato concluded that a more abstract entity was a more satisfying explanation of origins and order, moving away from the anthropomorphic Greek deities. They derived these findings from critical reasoning and philosophical discourse. Socrates sought a basis for the grounding of morality and social order beyond the mythological narratives, while Plato, influenced by Socrates, looked for a consistent theory of reality and knowledge, arriving at his system of ideas and forms.
By questioning the inconsistencies found in pre-Socratic traditions and the polytheistic mythology of Greece, both philosophers aimed to discover the truth through a logical and reasoned approach. This shift in thought marks the beginning of Western philosophical thought. Their works, particularly Plato’s dialogues, served as foundational texts for subsequent ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological inquiries.