Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates

Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of SocratesBy Plato transl. Benjamin JowettEach dialogue contains insights into Ancient Greek thought, and the culture of the society as a whole. All three of these texts use ordinary conversations as a means of conveying and evolving individual ideas. It is within these early texts that Socrates demonstrates his manner of gaining insight via asking questions - this Socratic method, whereby Socrates maintains an impression of ignorance - was to define the thought of Plato. ApologyIn this dialogue, Socrates makes his case to the Athenian people at his trial. Passionately arguing against the charges of impiety levied upon him, the philosopher uses logic, reason and his natural gifts of speech in attempting to convince the crowd against sentencing him to death. While unsuccessful, the margin of the vote was narrow - it is now that Socrates is taken to the cells, where his final conversations are to take place. CritoWhen speaking to Crito, a man from a wealthy local family, Socrates advances a number of points about justice and injustice. After Crito declares his admiration for Socrates peace of mind and collectiveness in the face of his death sentence, the two commence a philosophical debate. Together the pair draw a number of comparisons with society in order to reach a definition of what is just and unjust in the context of human living. The text makes a point of noting Crito's attempts at convincing Socrates to escape from prison and thus his death sentence - although such an escape might be arranged, Socrates refuses on the grounds that it is his duty as a citizen to face the death penalty. PhaedoOne of the most famous dialogues of Plato, in Phaedo we witness the final philosophic discussions which Socrates partakes in before dying. His friends and family are variously present, until the final death sentence - that of drinking a poison solution of hemlock - is carried out. The topics here range from the form and essential immortality of the soul, the nature of learning and memory, and the nature of life. It is here that Plato, with Socrates as his principle character, advances a number of philosophic arguments and ideas which were to evolve later in his writings. An iconic text, the death of Socrates remains one of the most pivotal and popularly known events in the history of philosophy.
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