A Dominican-born academic tells the story of how the Great Books transformed his life—and why they have the power to speak to people of all backgrounds What is the value of a liberal education? Traditionally characterized by a rigorous engagement with the classics of Western thought and literature, this approach to education is all but extinct in American universities, replaced by flexible distribution requirements and ever-narrower academic specialization. Many academics attack the very idea of a Western canon as chauvinistic, while the general public increasingly doubts the value of the humanities. In Rescuing Socrates, Dominican-born American academic Roosevelt Montás tells the story of how a liberal education transformed his life, and offers an intimate account of the relevance of the Great Books today, especially to members of historically marginalized communities. Montás emigrated from the Dominican Republic to Queens, New York, when he was twelve and encountered the Western classics as an undergraduate in Columbia University’s renowned Core Curriculum, one of America’s last remaining Great Books programs. The experience changed his life and determined his career—he went on to earn a PhD in English and comparative literature, serve as director of Columbia’s Center for the Core Curriculum, and start a Great Books program for low-income high school students who aspire to be the first in their families to attend college. Weaving together memoir and literary reflection, Rescuing Socrates describes how four authors—Plato, Augustine, Freud, and Gandhi—had a profound impact on Montás’s life. In doing so, the book drives home what it’s like to experience a liberal education—and why it can still remake lives.

Philosopher Luis E. Navia presents a compelling portrayal of Socrates in this very readable and well-researched book, which is both a biography of the man and an exploration of his ideas.

Socrates's death in 399 BCE has figured largely in our world, shaping how we think about heroism and celebrity, religion and family life, state control and individual freedom--many of the key coordinates of Western culture. Wilson analyzes the enormous and enduring power the trial and death of Socrates has exerted over the Western imagination.

What does it mean to be awake? What exactly is therapeutic about retail therapy? And what are you really working on when you're at your desk, in the gym, or having dinner? From getting ready in the morning, through heading to work, going to a party, having sex and falling back to sleep, Breakfast with Socrates provides an hour-by-hour commentary on what history's greatest philosophers have said about the meaning behind everything we do. A fascinating exploration of our daily lives, Breakfast with Socrates also draws on literature, art, politics and psychology to offer an informal introduction to the history of ideas that will help anyone to think more healthily. Breakfast will never be the same again...

Learn the Fundamental Philosophies from Socrates, the Famous Ancient Greek Philosopher Update: 3rd Edition on Sept 19, 2016 - With Added Content! Get it Now Before the Price Increases! ~BONUS RIGHT AFTER THE CONCLUSION - ACT NOW BEFORE GONE! You've come to the right place to learn about Life & Philosophy Socrates is perhaps the most celebrated of all ancient philosophers. Credited as a founder father of Western philosophy, he is well known for his dialogues with his students and for thinking in terms of ethics and morals. He was also the mentor of other famous Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Xenophon. Socrates was an honest thinker that wanted his students to think of the answers themselves, instead of having the teacher provide the solution. He was also a strong advocate of justice. He took his last stand by accepting Athenian law of being sentenced to death, instead of fleeing for his life. Socrates is truly a remarkable human being worth examining. In this book, we will discover who Socrates was, what he stood for, and the lessons the taught us throughout his life time. His concepts of virtues will be discussed in full detail, and his best theories will be explained once and for all. Here's a Preview of What You Will Learn * What made Socrates different from other philosophers of his time? * Why did other philosophers oppose him? * How Greek law influenced Socrates' thinking * The Socratic Method explained * Why is an unexamined life not worth living? * and much much more! DOWNLOAD NOW! Scroll up to Buy with One-Click!

In this work, the author contends that contrary to prevailing notions, Plato's 'Crito' does not show an allegiance between Socrates & the state that condemned him. Weiss brings to light numerous indications that Socrates & the Laws are not partners.