"This edition, which replaces the original Loeb edition ..., offers text, translation, and annotation that are fully current with modern scholarship"--Front flap of dust jacket, volume 1.
A new version of Plato's four-part discourse extolling Socrates' brilliance. Plato's account of Socrates' trial and execution in 399 BC marks a turning point in Western literature as well as in ancient Athens' way of life. In these four dialogues, Plato elaborates on the Socratic notion of personal accountability and illustrates how Socrates, who was ordered by his fellow Athenians to commit suicide, lived and died in accordance with his own philosophy. In Euthyphro, Socrates engages in a discussion about goodness outside the courtroom; in Apology, he defends himself against all accusations of impiety; in Crito, he rejects a plea to be let out of prison; and in Phaedo, he approaches death with composure and an insightful discussion of eternity.
Included in this volume are "Euthyphro," "Apology," "Crito," and the Death Scene from "Phaedo." Translated by F.J. Church. Revisions and Introduction by Robert D. Cumming.
"The European philosophical tradition. . .consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." -- Alfred North Whitehead The dialogues of Plato stand alongside the Bible and Homer's Iliad and Odyssey as foundational texts of Western civilization. The works of Plato collected under the title The Trial and Death of Socrates have been particularly influential. This is because they provide both an excellent point of entry into Plato's vast philosophy and a vivid portrait of Plato's mentor, Socrates - one of the most uncompromising intellectuals in the pantheon of human history. It is predominantly through Plato's account in these works of the words and actions of Socrates during his trial and execution for impiety that the latter's nobility and profound integrity have become known to succeeding generations.
Apology, Crito and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato: This collection of dialogues by Plato, including "Apology," "Crito," and "Phaedo," presents the philosophical ideas and trial of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. These dialogues provide insights into Socrates' defense of his beliefs, his discussions with his followers, and his contemplation of the afterlife. Key Aspects of the Book "Apology, Crito and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato": Socratic Philosophy: Plato's dialogues offer a window into the philosophical ideas and methods of Socrates, one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. Trial and Execution: The dialogues, particularly "Apology" and "Crito," delve into Socrates' trial, his defense of his philosophical stance, and his decision to accept the death penalty. Immortality of the Soul: In "Phaedo," readers are introduced to Socrates' thoughts on the immortality of the soul and the nature of the afterlife. Plato, born around 428/427 BCE, was a renowned ancient Greek philosopher and student of Socrates. His dialogues, including those featuring Socrates, continue to be studied for their contributions to ethics, politics, and metaphysics. This collection reflects Plato's dedication to preserving the philosophical legacy of Socrates.
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 general term apology, in context to literature, defends a world from attack (opposite of satire-which attacks the world). Crito is a dialogue by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. It is a conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito regarding justice, injustice, and the appropriate response to injustice. Socrates thinks that injustice may not be answered with injustice, and refuses Crito's offer to finance his escape from prison. This dialogue contains an ancient statement of the social contract theory of government. Plato's, also known to ancient readers as Plato's On The Soul, is one of the great dialogues of his middle period, along with the Republic and the Symposium. The Phaedo, which depicts the death of Socrates, is also Plato's fourth and last dialogue to detail the philosopher's final days, following Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito.
The philosophy of ancient Greece reached its highest level of achievement in the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Plato and Aristotle have been held in high esteem because of their intellectual achievements and the fact that their ideas have been preserved through the writings that they produced. Socrates has also been recognized as an intellectual genius, but in addition, his career in the city of Athens has come to be regarded by many persons as an outstanding example of the virtues that he advocated. With reference to the trial and death of Socrates, there are four dialogs that are especially relevant. They are the Euthyphro, the Apology, the Crito, and the Phaedo. In the Euthyphro, an attempt is made to answer the question "What is piety?" It has a particular bearing on the trial of Socrates, for he had been accused of impiety and was about to be tried for a crime, the nature of which no one seemed to understand. The Apology contains an account of Socrates' defense of himself after he had been charged with being a corrupter of the youth and one who refuses to accept the popular beliefs concerning the gods of the city of Athens. It is generally regarded as the most authentic account on record of what Socrates actually said as he appeared before his judges. Plato's dialogs have been translated into many different languages and have been published in a number of editions.