How can we understand Socrates when he left no book of his own? This original English introduction examines the competing portraits in Plato, Xenophon, and Aristophanes, then tests questions about knowledge, virtue, courage, persuasion, justice, friendship, love, and the examined life. Eighteen focused chapters connect ancient arguments to new contemporary cases without presenting a dialogue character as a verbatim historical witness. Includes a glossary, passage-level source notes, and a chapter-to-source map. Written for curious readers seeking clear philosophy with honest limits.
How can we understand Socrates when he left no book of his own? This original English introduction examines the competing portraits in Plato, Xenophon, and Aristophanes, then tests questions about knowledge, virtue, courage, persuasion, justice, friendship, love, and the examined life. Eighteen f...