The Apology and Related Dialogues by Plato

The Apology and Related Dialogues by Plato

Socrates, one of the first of the great philosophers, left no written works. What survives of his thought are second-hand descriptions of his teachings and conversations--including, most famously, the accounts of his trial and execution composed 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 Apologywe find Socrates defending himself in court against charges of impiety and corruption of the youth. Critodepicts Socrates choosing to accept the resulting death sentence rather than escape Athens and avoid execution. All three dialogues are included here, as is the final scene of Phaedo, in which the sentence is carried out.

“The early Socratic dialogues (Euthyphro, Apology, Crito) form a cornerstone in Western philosophical thoughtThis new edition of the dialogues offers an updated, lively translation with footnotes for students and excellent features for teaching, such as an introduction covering the political, legal, and religious contexts of the dialogues and their philosophical importance, relevant timelines, a list of Platonic characters, current suggestions for further reading and areas for reflection, and a helpful general index.” — Julie Ward, Loyola University Chicago

“The Apology and Related Dialogues offers a new translation and fresh reappraisal of the dialogues that comprise the last days of Socrates. The book’s accessible analysis and critical suggestions make it a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Greek philosophy and, more importantly, basic philosophical questions.” — Andre Archie, Colorado State University

“This new translation of three Platonic dialogues and the death scene in the Phaedo is a lively and accessible account of the end of Socrates’ life. The text animates the paramount questions of piety, wisdom, justice, and the soul as they are addressed in the dialogues. Included is an introduction that provides an excellent and concise analysis of Socrates’ substantive philosophical positions.” — Ann Ward, University of Regina

Born to a politically connected and aristocratic family between 428 and 423 B.C., Plato received a good standard of education at an early age, and was able to immerse himself in the intellectual community of Ancient Athens. His most notable contemporary and mentor was Socrates, an eccentric but highly capable philosopher who was to feature as a principle character in most of Plato's scholarly writings. Owing to his high standard of education in art, mathematics, rhetoric and philosophy, Plato was able to assemble a comprehensive philosophy of his own via his favoured form of writing which was the dialogue. In total, over thirty of these Platonic dialogues have survived the passage of time - and together they form the backbone of Ancient Greek philosophy. After enjoying success as a writer and academic, Plato in 385 B.C. founded The Academy. This school was to unite the most capable thinkers of Greece, and would help to advance learning throughout Greek society's Golden Age. It was in the Academy that Plato would instruct and apprentice Aristotle, who was to go on to gain renown as a philosopher and scholar. Owing to his reputation Plato was hired by Dion, whose nephew Dionysus II was the rightful ruler of Sicily - Dion wished his nephew to receive a good education in the art of sound and wise governance. However Dionysus II became suspicious and accused both Plato and Dion of conspiracy - after some time spent under arrest, Plato returned to his homeland. In his late period, Plato continued to tutor and mentor the best young minds of Athens, and he would perish around 348 B.C. having lived beyond the age of eighty. Today Plato's legacy remains lauded: the philosopher ably used logic and reason to imbue insight on democratic governance, while developing a cohesive philosophy on topics such as art, metaphysics, justice and the 'Theory of Forms' - his iconic take on how ideas related to reality.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781554812585
ISBN 10	1554812585
Title	The Apology and Related Dialogues
Author	Plato
Series	Broadview Editions
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Broadview Press Ltd
Year published	2016-04-30
Number of pages	112
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable