The Last Days of Socrates

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Last Days of Socrates
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Plato
Introduction by Harold Tarrant
Translated by Christopher Rowe
Translated by Harold Tarrant
Translated by Hugh Tredennick
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenreWestern philosophy - Ancient to c 500
ISBN/Barcode 9780140449280
ClassificationsDewey:183.2
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publication Date 27 March 2003
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy and corrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of Classical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato also developed his own philosophy, based on Socrates' manifesto for a life guided by self-responsibility. Euthyphro finds Socrates outside the court-house, debating the nature of piety, while The Apology is his robust rebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defence of the philosopher's life. In the Crito, while awaiting execution in prison, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. Finally, in the Phaedo, he is shown calmly confident in the face of death, skilfully arguing the case for the immortality of the soul.

Author Biography

Plato (c.427-347 BC) stands with Socrates and Aristotle as one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West. He founded the Athenian Academy, the first permanent institution devoted to philosophical research and teaching, and the prototype of all Western universities. Hugh Tredennick was Dean of the Faculty of Arts at London University. Harold Tarrant is Senior Lecturer in Classics at the Univesity of Sydney.