Four Texts on Socrates: Plato's Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito and Aristophanes' Clouds

by Thomas G. West (Editor)

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This book offers translations of four major works of ancient Greek literature which treat the life and thought of Socrates, focusing particularly on his trial and defense (the Platonic dialogues Euthyphro, Apology of Socrates, and Crito) and on the charges against Socrates (Aristophanes' comedy the Clouds). This is the only collection of the three Platonic dialogues which also includes the Clouds, a work that is fundamental for understanding the thought of Socrates in relation to the show more Athenian political community and to Greek poetry. show less

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Member Reviews

4 reviews
Reading Socrates's methods of logic and arguments was just like getting in an argument with my husband - neither forgets a single twist of the conversation, and both will lead you down a path using questions of logic until you end up trapped into agreeing to the opposite of what you had originally thought. It was fun to not be on the receiving end of it and for once just enjoy the journey through logic land.

I enjoyed each of the four parts of this book, although all of Plato's items went on too long. Of these I liked 'Crito' best because I felt like it really showed me who Socrates was, why he was pursing the course he'd chosen. He also said some things about death that have stuck with me, and that I'll surely be mulling over for years. show more I also liked the addition of Aristophanes's 'Clouds', which makes fun of Socrates; it gave me a more complete picture on how his contemporaries viewed him. Plus there was a surprising amount of fart jokes - always a good thing. show less
West and West are demanding Authors who pack this account with detail. They write well and the text is helpful. The First Ancient Philosophy Text I have read.
Some of Plato's best - in addition to Aristophanes's work, which helps us put together a fuller picture of who Socrates was.
½

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Author Information

Editor
8+ Works 410 Members

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Aristophanes (Author)
Plato (Author)
West, Grace Starry (Translator)

Work Relationships

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
1998
People/Characters
Socrates (c. 470–399 BC)
First words
This collection contains four well-known works that present the thought and way of life of Socrates as they come to sight in confrontation with his political community.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)CHORUS: Lead the way out, for we have chorused in due measure today. (The clouds retire and exit.)
Original language
English

Classifications

Genres
Philosophy, Nonfiction, History
DDC/MDS
183.2Philosophy & psychologyAncient, medieval & eastern philosophySophistic, Socratic, related Greek philosophiesSocrates
LCC
B316 .F68Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionPhilosophy (General)By periodAncient
BISAC

Statistics

Members
771
Popularity
36,309
Reviews
4
Rating
(3.96)
Languages
English, Greek
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
4
ASINs
3