Compiled in one book, the essential collection of books by Plato <br><br>Apology <br>Charmides <br>Cratylus <br>Critias <br>Crito <br>Euthydemus <br>Euthyphro <br>Gorgias <br>Ion <br>Laches <br>Laws <br>Lysis <br>Menexenus <br>Meno <br>Parmenides <br>Phaedo <br>Phaedrus <br>Philebus <br>Protagoras <br>Plato's Republic <br>Sophist <br>Statesman <br>Symposium <br>Theaetetus <br>Timaeus
Contained in this volume are two works by the great ancient Greek philosopher Plato. The «Protagoras», like several of the Dialogues of Plato, is put into the mouth of Socrates, who describes a conversation which had taken place between himself and the great Sophist at the house of Callias-'the man who had spent more upon the Sophists than all the rest of the world'-and in which the learned Hippias and the grammarian Prodicus had also shared, as well as Alcibiades and Critias, both of whom said a few words-in the presence of a distinguished company consisting of disciples of Protagoras and of leading Athenians belonging to the Socratic circle. The dialogue commences with a request on the part of Hippocrates that Socrates would introduce him to the celebrated teacher. He has come before the dawn had risen-so fervid is his zeal. Socrates moderates his excitement and advises him to find out 'what Protagoras will make of him,' before he becomes his pupil. The «Meno» begins abruptly with a question of Meno, who asks, 'whether virtue can be taught.' Socrates replies that he does not as yet know what virtue is, and has never known anyone who did. 'Then he cannot have met Gorgias when he was at Athens.' Yes, Socrates had met him, but he has a bad memory, and has forgotten what Gorgias said. Will Meno tell him his own notion, which is probably not very different from that of Gorgias? 'O yes-nothing easier: there is the virtue of a man, of a woman, of an old man, and of a child; there is a virtue of every age and state of life, all of which may be easily described.' Here is presented the classic introductions and translations of Benjamin Jowett.
Plato's most famous work and one of the most important books ever written on the subject of philosophy and political theory, «The Republic» is a fictional dialogue between Socrates and other various Athenians and foreigners which examines the meaning of justice. Written in approximately 380 BC, «The Republic» also discusses Plato's «Theory of Forms», the nature of the philosopher, the conflict between philosophy and poetry, and the immortality of the soul. An essential read for any student of philosophy or political science, «The Republic» is a monumental work of antiquity, which forms the foundation for much of our modern policy.
"Phaedrus, Apology, Crito, and Symposium": four works of the great ancient Greek philosopher Plato are brought together here in this volume. The Phaedrus is closely connected with the Symposium, and may be regarded either as introducing or following it. The two Dialogues together contain the whole philosophy of Plato on the nature of love. In the Apology we hear the response that Socrates gives in defense at his trial. And in Crito we have a dialogue between Crito and Socrates in Socrates' prison cell prior to his execution where Crito tells Socrates that he has made arrangements to smuggle Socrates into exile and tries to convince Socrates to escape. Together these works give the student of ancient philosophy an insight into the philosophies of Socrates and his pupil Plato. Presented in this volume are the classic introductions and translations of Benjamin Jowett.
Written sometime during the 4th century BC, “Symposium” is one the most poetic and sublime works by the Greek philosopher Plato. The action of the dialogue is set during a party hosted by the poet Agathon to celebrate his first victory in a dramatic competition. The title ‘Symposium’, or ‘Banquet’ refers to the setting of the work, however the more literal translation from the Greek is a ‘drinking party.’ At this party several notable figures from classical antiquity, including Phaedrus, Pausanias, Eryximachus, Aristophanes, Agathon, Alcibiades, and Socrates in turn give speeches in praise of Eros, the god of love. The work at its core is an examination of the genesis, purpose, and nature of love. While it is possible that the circumstances of the work may be based on actual events known to Plato, scholars believe it most likely to be the sole invention of its author. An intriguing dialogue on the subject of love, “Symposium” is a preeminent example of Plato’s philosophical genius and a must read for any student of classical antiquity. This edition is translated with an introduction by Benjamin Jowett, includes a preface by Friedrich Schleiermacher, and a biographical afterword.