These five dialogues offer an ideal representation of the life, death, and philosophical methods of Socrates. Collectively, they offer an account of Socrates’ trial and execution, as written by his friend, student, and philosophical successor, Plato. In Euthyphro, Socrates examines the concept of piety and displays his propensity for questioning Athenian authorities. Such audacity is not without consequence, and in the Apology we find Socrates defending himself in court against charges of impiety and corruption of the youth. Crito depicts Socrates choosing to accept the resulting death sentence rather than escape Athens and avoid execution. And in Phaedo, Socrates reflects on the immortality of the soul before carrying out his own sentence. Meno is also included, offering a fine example of the Socratic method and its application.This edition offers a new and modern translation ideal for readers new to Plato. Thorough footnote annotations are included to provide information on the dialogues’ many references and unfamiliar terms. The book’s concise and reader-friendly introduction is broken into easily digestible elements.
These five dialogues offer an ideal representation of the life, death, and philosophical methods of Socrates. Collectively, they offer an account of Socrates’ trial and execution, as written by his friend, student, and philosophical successor, Plato. In Euthyphro, Socrates examines the concept of...