Overview
- This book are the classic dialogues from Plato. Euthyphro focuses on what is piety; Euthyphro crosses the path of Socrates on his way to persecute his father who has killed one of his workers. Socrates questions Euthyphro on what piteous as him persecuting his own father is worrisome.
- Socrates is brought to trial on charges of indoctrinating the youth. The Apology is the birth place of political science and political speech from way it is laid out and how Socrates argues for his innocence and especially in how he accepted his fate. Every political speech follows the tenants of this oration from Socrates.
- Crito is a conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend who was trying to help Socrates escape from prison. This discussion is about justice and injustice and has a conversation about the social contract.
- Meno is about the definition of virtue and has explanation of mathematical puzzles to explain how someone has knowledge and they have this knowledge unraveled to them when appropriate stimulus is brought forth.
- Phaedo is about the soul and its journey the immortality of the soul. In this dialogue Socrates discuss how, a philosopher has been preparing themselves for death their entire life. On his death with the poison in his body speaking to his friends Socrates explains there is no reason for them to be fearful for his dying that we will live on.
Theme
- These discussions take a view on life, philosophy and thought and give the reader the ability to understand how to dissect thoughts and ideas and how to present them. These ancient texts have given way to the modern schooling and have been a foot hold to establish ways of thought.
Biggest takeaway
- Biggest takeaway is how Socrates in discussion had the ability to be discerning, listen effectively and give his ideas on a subject. The Socratic method is the method of asking questions to extract out the general idea of a thought or argument.
Overall Satisfaction
- 9.6/10 Timeless piece of work.
Comments on the Author
- Plato’s ability to embody Socrates in these dialogues is fantastic. Plato gives his ideas and thoughts through this character in a way which is seamless and makes for a great enlightening read. The basis for western thought and ideas are from these dialogues and others. Socrates stances on the soul, human rights, justice and wisdom are ideas which spring forth for many other ideas, thoughts and philosophers. I came across Plato while listening to Cornel West. The way he tied in Plato’s work and brought up the name of Socrates was amazing to me thus I had to research to find him. In choosing a major before I went off to college at Western Carolina it was Socrates, Plato and philosophical thought which drove me to Political Science. Throughout my years in college I read and reread Socrates and Plato loving the style and layout of the dialogues which drove me to writing a dialogue myself (The conversation). To this day frequently in my rotations of readings I will choose Plato to read and think over. I thank this author very much for creating something so timeless and the various translators who’ve put these works in English for us to read.
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