Plato's Dialogues

One of the middle or transitional dialogues of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, "Gorgias" is one of his more important writings. Plato contrasts the rhetorician and the philosopher, whose differing specialties are persuasion and refutation, respectively. The famous foreign rhetorician Gorgias has been drawn to Athens and its intellectual sophistication and is the initial reason for the discussion. However, as Plato delves into arguments both incredible and forthright, he begins to contrast two differing ways of life, ultimately insisting on a rejection of temptations and a promotion of authentic morality. Plato is fully aware of the difficulty of his dialogue, acknowledging that philosophy is a 'bitter draught,' yet it will lead to the struggle for a purity of soul that will be fundamentally necessary on Judgment Day. With the key to true happiness brilliantly argued, even if it is only with himself, Plato opposes everyone and no one as the 'one true statesman' in the remarkable "Gorgias."

The Nature of Rhetoric. "If it were necessary either to do wrong or to suffer it, I should choose to suffer rather than do it." Gorgias is dialogue written by Plato, based on a conversation between Socrates and a small group of sophists at a dinner gathering, where Socrates debates with the sophist seeking the true definition of rhetoric. It is a study of virtue founded upon an inquiry into the nature of rhetoric, art, power, temperance, justice, and good versus evil.

What is virtue? Can it be learned or is it innate? Is it possible to know things a priori (before experience)? In this important and influential Socratic dialogue, Plato addresses a wealth of philosophy's fundamental questions, including the difference between actually knowing something and merely maintaining a correct belief about it. The dialogue begins when Meno, a young aristocrat from Thessaly, confidently declares that he can define virtue-only to be reduced in short order to utter confusion, a fate common to those engaging in debate with Socrates. Meno's contention that a concept cannot be defined without knowledge of its nature leads to one of the most celebrated passages in the history of philosophy: Socrates asserts the doctrine of reincarnation, and by posing a mathematical puzzle to Meno's slave, demonstrates the existence of innate knowledge. This brief but profound dialogue, which forms the basis for subsequent examinations of a priori knowledge, appears here in the translation by the distinguished scholar Benjamin Jowett.

Hippias of Elis travels throughout the Greek world practicing and teaching the art of making beautiful speeches. On a rare visit to Athens, he meets Socrates who questions him about the nature of his art. Socrates is especially curious about how Hippias would define beauty. They agree that "beauty makes all beautiful things beautiful," but when Socrates presses him to say precisely what he means, Hippias is unable to deliver such a definition. The more Socrates probes, the more absurd the responses from Hippias become. This is one of Plato's best comedies and one of his finest efforts at posing the philosophical problem of the difference between particular things and universal qualities.

APOLOGY (The Apology of Socrates), by Plato, is the Socratic dialogue that offers the speech of legal self-defence, which Socrates presented at his trial for impiety and corruption in 399 BC.

Gorgias is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato around 380 BC. The dialogue depicts a conversation between Socrates and a small group of sophists (and other guests) at a dinner gathering. Socrates debates with the sophist seeking the true definition of rhetoric, attempting to pinpoint the essence of rhetoric and unveil the flaws of the sophistic oratory popular in Athens at the time.

Plato's Guide to the Good Life. "The unexamined life is not worth living." An original account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens.

The Ion is the shortest, or nearly the shortest, of all the writings which bear the name of Plato, and is not authenticated by any early external testimony. The grace and beauty of this little work supply the only, and perhaps a sufficient, proof of its genuineness. The plan is simple; the dramatic interest consists entirely in the contrast between the irony of Socrates and the transparent vanity and childlike enthusiasm of the rhapsode Ion.

Apology presents the speech of self-defence given by Socrates in his trial for impiety and corruption specifically against the charges of corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel.

A classic work of ancient Greek literature from one of the most famous of all ancient Greek philosophers, the "Phaedo" is the story of the last moments of Socrates life as recounted by Phaedo a first-hand witness to Socrates final hours. In those last moments, Socrates explains that his suicide does not matter because his soul is immortal and he proceeds to give four reasons why this is so. No two greater figures than Plato and Socrates exist in the world of ancient Greek philosophy. Here they are brought together, one as the subject and the other as the author. Presented here is the classic introduction and translation of Benjamin Jowett.

Plato's "Meno" is a Socratic dialogue between the two main speakers, Socrates and Meno, and explores the definition of virtue and whether it is something that can be taught. Meno is an attractive and well-to-do young man visiting Athens and is a student of the sophist Gorgias, who has greatly influenced Meno's ideas on virtue and knowledge. The dialogue begins abruptly with a question posed by Meno, who asks Socrates whether virtue can be taught. Socrates replies that he does not as yet know what virtue is, and has never known anyone who did. A fascinating and thought-provoking dialogue ensues between Meno and Socrates exploring what exactly virtue is and whether the definition is the same for all people. Meno contends that virtue is dependent on one's station in life and there is one kind of virtue for men and one for women, one for children, and one for adults. Through detailed and exhaustive questions and answers, Socrates reveals his belief that virtue is the same for all people, whether old or young, man or woman. Socrates then begins to question one of Meno's slaves to prove his proposition that much knowledge is innate and merely needs to be revealed with the proper questioning, or the Socratic method, rather than taught. This timeless and engaging classic is a must read for all students of philosophy. This edition is translated with an introduction by Benjamin Jowett and includes a biographical afterword.

The Phaedrus is closely connected with the Symposium, and may be regarded either as introducing or following it. The two Dialogues together contain the whole philosophy of Plato on the nature of love, which in the Republic and in the later writings of Plato is only introduced playfully or as a figure of speech. But in the Phaedrus and Symposium love and philosophy join hands, and one is an aspect of the other. The spiritual and emotional part is elevated into the ideal, to which in the Symposium mankind are described as looking forward, and which in the Phaedrus, as well as in the Phaedo, they are seeking to recover from a former state of existence.

Meno is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato. It appears to attempt to determine the definition of virtue, or arete, meaning virtue in general, rather than particular virtues, such as justice or temperance. The first part of the work is written in the Socratic dialectical style and Meno is reduced to confusion or aporia. In response to Meno's paradox (or the learner's paradox), however, Socrates introduces positive ideas: the immortality of the soul, the theory of knowledge as recollection (anamnesis), which Socrates demonstrates by posing a mathematical puzzle to one of Meno's slaves, the method of hypothesis, and, in the final lines, the distinction between knowledge and true belief.

Plato's Phaedrus is a dialogue between Phaedrus and the great Greek philosopher Socrates. Phaedrus has been spending the morning with Lysias, the celebrated rhetorician, and is going to refresh himself by taking a walk outside the wall, when he is met by Socrates, who professes that he will not leave him until he has delivered up the speech with which Lysias has regaled him, and which he is carrying about in his mind, or more probably in a book hidden under his cloak, and is intending to study as he walks. The imputation is not denied, and the two agree to direct their steps out of the public way along the stream of the Ilissus towards a plane-tree which is seen in the distance. There, lying down amidst pleasant sounds and scents, they will read the speech of Lysias.

The Charmides is a dialogue of Plato, in which Socrates engages a handsome and popular boy in a conversation about the meaning of sophrosyne, a Greek word usually translated into English as "temperance", "self-control", or "restraint". As is typical with Platonic early dialogues, the two never arrive at a completely satisfactory definition, but the discussion nevertheless raises many important points.

After an interval of some months or years, and at Phlius, a town of Peloponnesus, the tale of the last hours of Socrates is narrated to Echecrates and other Phliasians by Phaedo the beloved disciple. The Dialogue necessarily takes the form of a narrative, because Socrates has to be described acting as well as speaking. The minutest particulars of the event are interesting to distant friends, and the narrator has an equal interest in them.

In several of the dialogues of Plato, doubts have arisen among his interpreters as to which of the various subjects discussed in them is the main thesis. The speakers have the freedom of conversation; no severe rules of art restrict them, and sometimes we are inclined to think, with one of the dramatis personae in the Theaetetus, that the digressions have the greater interest. Yet in the most irregular of the dialogues there is also a certain natural growth or unity; the beginning is not forgotten at the end, and numerous allusions and references are interspersed, which form the loose connecting links of the whole.

One of the middle or transitional dialogues of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, "Gorgias" depicts a dinner gathering attended by Socrates and a group of sophists. Gorgias, a foreigner, has been drawn to Athens by its cultural and intellectual sophistication. In this dialogue Plato contrasts Gorgias, the rhetorician, with Socrates, the philosopher, whose differing specialties are persuasion and refutation, respectively. As Plato delves into arguments both incredible and forthright, he begins to contrast two differing ways of life, as exemplified by the rhetorician and the philosopher. The rhetorican in making use of language to persuade his audience gives no guarantee of convincing others towards a moral choice. In order that rhetoric might be used for good it must be guided by a moral philosophy arrived at through the Socratic method. Ultimately, Plato through Socrates, rejects the use of rhetoric for purposes either immoral or in advancing one's one self-interest in favor of an authentic morality arrived at through philosophical inquiry. This challenging dialogue exemplifies Plato's brilliant examination of one of the more important matters of philosophy, human morality. This edition includes a biographical afterword and follows the translation of Benjamin Jowett with an introduction by Friedrich Schleiermacher.

Plato's "Phaedrus" is a dialogue between Phaedrus and the great Greek philosopher Socrates. Phaedrus has been spending the morning with Lysias, the celebrated rhetorician, and is going to refresh himself by taking a walk outside the wall, when he is met by Socrates, who professes that he will not leave him until he has delivered up the speech with which Lysias has regaled him, and which he is carrying about in his mind, or more probably in a book hidden under his cloak, and is intending to study as he walks. The imputation is not denied, and the two agree to direct their steps out of the public way along the stream of the Ilissus towards a plane-tree which is seen in the distance. There, lying down amidst pleasant sounds and scents, they will read the speech of Lysias. A classic exposition on the topic of love which serves to construct a discussion on the proper use of rhetoric, Plato's "Phaedrus" is one of the ancient philosopher's important Socratic dialogues. This edition is translated with an introduction by Benjamin Jowett and includes a biographical afterword.

This Dialogue begins abruptly with a question of Meno, who asks, 'whether virtue can be taught.' Socrates replies that he does not as yet know what virtue is, and has never known anyone who did. 'Then he cannot have met Gorgias when he was at Athens.' Yes, Socrates had met him, but he has a bad memory, and has forgotten what Gorgias said. Will Meno tell him his own notion, which is probably not very different from that of Gorgias? 'O yes-nothing easier: there is the virtue of a man, of a woman, of an old man, and of a child; there is a virtue of every age and state of life, all of which may be easily described.'

The Phaedo is acknowledged to be one of Plato's masterpieces, showing him both as a philosopher and as a dramatist at the height of his powers. For its moving account of the execution of Socrates, the Phaedo ranks among the supreme literary achievements of antiquity. It is also a document crucial to the understanding of many ideas deeply ingrained in western culture, and provides one of the best introductions to Plato's thought. This new edition is eminently suitable for readers new to Plato, offering a readable translation which is accessible without the aid of a commentary and assumes no prior knowledge of the ancient Greek world or language.

A classic work of ancient Greek literature from Plato, one of the most famous of all ancient Greek philosophers, the "Phaedo" is the moving story of the last moments of Socrates life as recounted by Phaedo, a student of Socrates and a first-hand witness to his final hours. "Phaedo" is the fourth and last dialogue by Plato of Socrates final days, following "Euthyphro", "Apology", and "Crito". In "Phaedo" we see the famous philosopher in his last hours before drinking poison hemlock, as he has been sentenced to do by an Athenian jury for his refusal to believe in the gods of the state and for corrupting the youth with his ideas. Socrates explains to the students there to witness his death that his suicide does not matter because his soul is immortal. In support of his belief, Socrates introduces many of the themes and dualities that have come to define Western culture and philosophy: life and death, soul and body, reason and emotion, science and belief. Here in this masterpiece of ancient Greek literature, two of history's greatest philosophers are brought together, one as the subject and the other as the author. Presented here is the classic translation with introduction by Benjamin Jowett. This edition also includes a biographical afterword.

The "Meno" begins abruptly with a question of Meno, who asks, 'whether virtue can be taught.' Socrates replies that he does not as yet know what virtue is, and has never known anyone who did. 'Then he cannot have met Gorgias when he was at Athens.' Yes, Socrates had met him, but he has a bad memory, and has forgotten what Gorgias said. Will Meno tell him his own notion, which is probably not very different from that of Gorgias? 'O yes-nothing easier: there is the virtue of a man, of a woman, of an old man, and of a child; there is a virtue of every age and state of life, all of which may be easily described.' Here is presented the classic introduction and translation of Benjamin Jowett.

Two major works by one of history's best known and most widely read and studied philosophers. In Gorgias, an exploration of the proposition that it is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong, Socrates debates with an amoral young sophist and assets that it is preferable to endure someone else's bad conduct than to be the source of bad behavior.Timaeus relates a creation myth that concludes with the birth of humanity, in which Socrates demonstrates that morality is based on cosmic order. True morality, he maintains, is neither the product of human evolution nor an exercise of will, but an external manifestation of the soul's order and harmony. B. Jowett translation

The Charmides is a dialogue of Plato, in which Socrates engages a handsome and popular boy in a conversation about the meaning of sophrosyne, a Greek word usually translated into English as "temperance", "self-control", or "restraint". As is typical with Platonic early dialogues, the two never arrive at a completely satisfactory definition, but the discussion nevertheless raises many important points.

This book contains the four dialogues between Socrates and Plato that chronicle the elder's final days. Socrates (470/469 – 399 BC) was an Athenian philosopher considered to be one of the founding fathers of Western philosophy. Plato (424/423 – 348/347 BC) was a Greek philosopher who founded the first institution of higher learning in the Western world, the Academy in Athens. This volume is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in philosophy and the life and mind of Socrates. Contents include: "Introduction", "The Apology Of Socrates", "Introduction to the Crito", "Crito; Or, The Duty Of A Citizen", "Introduction To The Phædo", and "Phædo; Or, The Immortality Of The Soul". Many vintage books such as this were becoming increasingly rare or expensive. This volume is now republished in an available, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction.

"Phaedrus, Apology, Crito, and Symposium": four works of the great ancient Greek philosopher Plato are brought together here in this volume. The Phaedrus is closely connected with the Symposium, and may be regarded either as introducing or following it. The two Dialogues together contain the whole philosophy of Plato on the nature of love. In the Apology we hear the response that Socrates gives in defense at his trial. And in Crito we have a dialogue between Crito and Socrates in Socrates' prison cell prior to his execution where Crito tells Socrates that he has made arrangements to smuggle Socrates into exile and tries to convince Socrates to escape. Together these works give the student of ancient philosophy an insight into the philosophies of Socrates and his pupil Plato. Presented in this volume are the classic introductions and translations of Benjamin Jowett.

In Plato's "Ion," Socrates discusses with the titular character, a professional rhapsode who also lectures on Homer, the question of whether the rhapsode, a performer of poetry, gives his performance on account of his skill and knowledge or by virtue of divine possession. It is one of the shortest of Plato's dialogues.

Socrates defends himself in court in this resounding speech, recounted firsthand by one of history's greatest philosophers. Plato's Apology is an account of the speech Socrates makes at the Athenian trial in which he is charged with not accepting the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Recounted by Plato, Socrates's speech is a rousing examination of integrity, wisdom, and the role of a philosopher. It is filled with wit, intelligence, and lessons that remain relevant today.

Because of the absence of writings by Socrates, we only know of his philosophical beliefs through the writings of his students. Fortunately many of these have survived through to today and provide an excellent primary source for the understanding of this great philosopher. Of all the students' writings none are more comprehensive and informative with regard to Socrates than those of Plato. Contained in this volume are some of the most important of those writings by Plato. In "Euthyphro" we find a dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro, a religious expert, concerning the definition of piety or holiness. This dialogue is important for it examines the injustice of the charge against Socrates of not believing in the gods in whom the city believed. In the "Apology" we find Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates in his defense at his trial. In "Crito" we find a conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito regarding justice, injustice, and the appropriate response to injustice. In this dialogue we see Socrates refusing Crito's offering to finance his escape from prison on the basis that injustice cannot be solved by further injustice. In "Phaedo" we find a dialogue depicting the death of Socrates. Collectively these works detail the final days of Socrates and provide a profound example of the virtues for which Socrates both lived and died for.

Two important dialogues offer crucial insights into mystical and aesthetic aspects of Platonic doctrine. Symposium attempts to find the ultimate manifestation of the love that controls the world, leading to mystic union with eternal and supercosmic beauty. Phaedrus discusses the psychology of love, resulting in the concept of the familiar Platonic "forms" as objects of transcendental emotion.

The Apology is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he defended himself in 399 BC against the charges of "corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel. Apology here has its earlier meaning (now usually expressed by the word apologia) of speaking in defense of a cause or of one's beliefs or actions. The Apology is divided into three parts. The first part is Socrates' own defense of himself and includes the most famous parts of the text, namely his recounting of the Oracle at Delphi and his cross-examination of Meletus. The second part is the verdict, and the third part is the sentencing

"Apology" is the famous account of the trial of Socrates. Plato's dialogue presents the charges brought against Socrates by the people of Athens and lays out the arguments that the accused presented in his defense. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of the city with his radical ideas and of impiety against the pantheon of the Athenian gods, or more specifically, of not believing in the gods of the city and believing instead in no gods or gods that are new. Socrates passionately and vigorously argued against these claims by showing the hypocrisy of his accusers and spoke in his own defense regarding the content of his character and innocence of his actions in simple, but persuasive, terms. While Socrates was eventually sentenced to death, Plato's work remains an important record of Socrates' core philosophy in his own words. Plato is believed to have been at the trial personally and wrote his dialogue primarily from the perspective of Socrates himself. "Apology" endures as one of the most historically important records of the life and death of this influential philosopher. This edition includes a biographical afterword and follows the translation of with an introduction by Benjamin Jowett.

The Apology is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he defended himself in 399 BC against the charges of "corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel. Apology here has its earlier meaning (now usually expressed by the word apologia) of speaking in defense of a cause or of one's beliefs or actions. The Apology is divided into three parts. The first part is Socrates' own defense of himself and includes the most famous parts of the text, namely his recounting of the Oracle at Delphi and his cross-examination of Meletus.