The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy andcorrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of class-ical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato alsodeveloped his own philosophy, based on Socrates' manifesto for a lifeguided by self-responsibility. Euthyphro finds Socrates outside thecourt-house, debating the nature of piety, while the Apology is his robustrebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defence of the philosopher'slife.

The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy andcorrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of class-ical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato alsodeveloped his own philosophy, based on Socrates' manifesto for a lifeguided by self-responsibility. Euthyphro finds Socrates outside thecourt-house, debating the nature of piety, while the Apology is his robustrebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defence of the philosopher'slife. In the Crito, while awaiting execution in prison, Socrates countersthe arguments of friends urging him to escape. Finally, in the Phaedo,he is shown calmly confident in the face of death, skilfully arguing thecase for the immortality of the soul.Hugh Tredennick's landmark 1954 translation has been revised byHarold Tarrant, reflecting changes in Platonic studies, with an introduction and expanded introductions to each of the four dialogues.

Chronology

Preface

General Introduction

Further Reading

A Note on the Texts

Euthyphro - Holiness

 Socrates in Confrontation

Apology - Justice and Duty (i)

 Socrates Speaks at his Trial

Crito -Justice and Duty (ii)

 Socrates in Prison

Phaedo - Wisdom and the Soul

 Socrates about to Die

Postscript: The Theory of Ideas

 in the Phaedo

Notes

Index