This text provides an introduction to Socrates—both the charismatic, controversial historical figure and the essential Socratic philosophy. Written at a beginning level but incorporating recent scholarship, The Philosophy of Socrates offers numerous translations of pertinent passages. As they present these passages, Nicholas Smith and Thomas Brickhouse demonstrate why these passages are problematic, survey the interpretive and philosophical options, and conclude with brief defenses of their own proposed solutions. Throughout, the authors rely on standard translations to parallel accompanying assigned primary source readers. Each chapter concludes with an annotated bibliography of suggested readings.

In Plato's Apology, Socrates says he spent his life examining and questioning people on how best to live, while avowing that he himself knows nothing important. Elsewhere, however, for example in Plato's Republic, Plato's Socrates presents radical and grandiose theses. In this book Sandra Peterson offers a hypothesis which explains the puzzle of Socrates' two contrasting manners. She argues that the apparently confident doctrinal Socrates is in fact conducting the first step of an examination: by eliciting his interlocutors' reactions, his apparently doctrinal lectures reveal what his interlocutors believe is the best way to live. She tests her hypothesis by close reading of passages in the Theaetetus, Republic and Phaedo. Her provocative conclusion, that there is a single Socrates whose conception and practice of philosophy remain the same throughout the dialogues, will be of interest to a wide range of readers in ancient philosophy and classics.

“Spectacular . . . A delight to read.” —The Wall Street Journal From bestselling biographer and historian Paul Johnson, a brilliant portrait of Socrates, the founding father of philosophy In his highly acclaimed style, historian Paul Johnson masterfully disentangles centuries of scarce sources to offer a riveting account of Socrates, who is often hailed as the most important thinker of all time. Johnson provides a compelling picture of Athens in the fifth century BCE, and of the people Socrates reciprocally delighted in, as well as many enlightening and intimate analyses of specific aspects of his personality. Enchantingly portraying "the sheer power of Socrates's mind, and its unique combination of steel, subtlety, and frivolity," Paul Johnson captures the vast and intriguing life of a man who did nothing less than supply the basic apparatus of the human mind.

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!

The popular author and Boston College philosophy professor, Kreeft, presents this introduction to philosophy to help beginners not only to understand philosophy but to fall in love with it. In his forty years of teaching philosophy, Kreeft says the most effective way to accomplish this purpose is to read Socrates. Philosophy means "the love of wisdom." Kreeft uses the dialogues of Socrates in this book to help the reader grow in that love of wisdom. He says that no master of the art of philosophizing has ever been more simple, clear, and accessible to beginners as Socrates. He focuses on Plato's dialogues, the Apology of Socrates, as a model partner for the reader to dialogue with. Kreeft calls it "the Magna Carta of philosophy," a timeless classic that is "a portable classroom."