Laches

by Plato

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Laches is one of Plato´s early dialogues and part of a series of dialogues in which Socrates discusses the requirements for a successful life. Here, Socrates converses with two important Athenian generals, Laches and Nikias, in search of the answer to the question: What is the essence of courage? Jörg Hardy has written an exhaustive commentary on this work and puts this dialogue in the context of Plato´s complete works, paying particular attention to the historical background and show more discussing the individual sections in great detail. show less

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A coragem não se dá apenas no campo de batalha, e como Sócrates bravamente lutou em Delium, mostrando extrema coragem, o general Laches permite que ele conduza a investigação entre este e outro militar de alta patente, Nicias, afim de aconselhar dois anciões sobre a educação de seus filhos. Devem eles treinar desde já no manejo de armaduras pesadas? Sim ou não? Mas deixar a investigação nas mãos de Sócrates é, e creio que Nicias o avisa, deixar-se levar a ter sua vida revelada, especialmente sua ignorância. Mesmo Sócrates tendo recomendado um bom professor de flauta e estando afinado no modo dório com a coragem, vale a pena incursar pela ética ao invés de escolher um dos lados?

Sobre a coragem deve se consultar um show more general, que afinal deve ter coragem. Mas ter não é saber. Certamente coragem não é segurar sua posição e não bater em retirada, e nem uma perseverança da alma (que afinal pode ser tola). A coragem envolve conhecimento do que causa terror ou confiança na guerra, como na vida, o conhecimento de bens e mazelas futuras. Mas esse conhecimento não se detém no futuro e assim se confunde com o conhecimento da virtude, do bem. show less
this is a nice dialogue that takes nicias and laches to argue over who is right about what makes people brave, or put in different words, what is the virtue that lets men make the right decision given the circumstances he faces. this is fast dialogue, as it develops very fast, unsurprisingly it ends without any clear answer.

this is interesting, and the overly comic style is something that makes this dialogue an easy read
Yet another good dialogue.

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2,730+ Works 100,690 Members
Plato was born c. 427 B.C. in Athens, Greece, to an aristocratic family very much involved in political government. Pericles, famous ruler of Athens during its golden age, was Plato's stepfather. Plato was well educated and studied under Socrates, with whom he developed a close friendship. When Socrates was publically executed in 399 B.C., Plato show more finally distanced himself from a career in Athenian politics, instead becoming one of the greatest philosophers of Western civilization. Plato extended Socrates's inquiries to his students, one of the most famous being Aristotle. Plato's The Republic is an enduring work, discussing justice, the importance of education, and the qualities needed for rulers to succeed. Plato felt governors must be philosophers so they may govern wisely and effectively. Plato founded the Academy, an educational institution dedicated to pursuing philosophic truth. The Academy lasted well into the 6th century A.D., and is the model for all western universities. Its formation is along the lines Plato laid out in The Republic. Many of Plato's essays and writings survive to this day. Plato died in 347 B.C. at the age of 80. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

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Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Laches
Original publication date
c. 380 B.C.
People/Characters
Socrates (c. 470–399 BC); Lysimachus; Melesias; Nicias; Laches; Aristides, 2nd century (show all 7); Sophroniscus (mentioned)

Classifications

Genres
Philosophy, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
184Philosophy & psychologyAncient, medieval & eastern philosophyPlatonic philosophy
LCC
B373 .A7 .H37Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionPhilosophy (General)By periodAncient
BISAC

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28
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