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The fundamental tetralogy on Socrates¿ final days.
Plato of Athens, who laid the foundations of the Western philosophical tradition and in range and depth ranks among its greatest practitioners, was born to a prosperous and politically active family circa 427 BC. In early life an admirer of Socrates, Plato later founded the first institution of higher learning in the West, the Academy, among whose many notable alumni was Aristotle. Traditionally ascribed to Plato are thirty-five dialogues developing Socrates¿ dialectic method and composed with great stylistic virtuosity, together with the
Apology and thirteen letters.
The four works in this volume recount the circumstances of Socrates¿ trial and execution in 399 BC. In
Euthyphro, set in the weeks before the trial, Socrates and Euthyphro attempt to define holiness. In
Apology, Socrates answers his accusers at trial and unapologetically defends his philosophical career. In
Crito, a discussion of justice and injustice explains Socrates¿ refusal of Critös offer to finance his escape from prison. And in
Phaedo, Socrates discusses the concept of an afterlife and offers arguments for the immortality of the soul. This edition, which replaces the original Loeb edition by Harold North Fowler, offers text, translation, and annotation that are fully current with modern scholarship.
About the author
Chris Emlyn-Jones is Emeritus Professor of Classical Studies, The Open University, United Kingdom.William Preddy is Retired Head of Classics, Oakham School, Rutland, United Kingdom.
Summary
Works in this volume recount the circumstances of Socrates’ trial and execution in 399 BC. Euthyphro attempts to define holiness; Apology is Socrates’ defense speech; in Crito he discusses justice and defends his refusal to be rescued from prison; Phaedo offers arguments for the immortality of the soul.
