Socrates, as he is portrayed in Plato's early dialogues, remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of philosophy. This book concerns six of the most vexing and often discussed features of Plato's portrayal: Socrates' methodology, epistemology, psychology, ethics, politics, and religion. Brickhouse and Smith cast new light on Plato's early dialogues by providing novel analyses of many of the doctrines and practices for which Socrates is best known. Included are discussions of Socrates' moral method, his profession of ignorance, his denial of akrasia, as well as his views about the relationship between virtue and happiness, the authority of the State, and the epistemic status of his daimonion. By revealing the many interconnections among Socrates' views on a wide variety of topics, this book demonstrates both the richness and the remarkable coherence of the philosophy of Plato's Socrates.
Industry Reviews
"Can be read profitably by anyone interested in ancient Greek philosophy....Certainly one of the best introductions there is to Socratic thought....A superb analysis of Socratic philosophy, which can be recommended without hesitation to students and specialists alike."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"This excellent book...has numerous virtues: clear, detailed examination of the texts, which enables the reader to wrestle firsthand with the questions in context; wide-ranging, fair consideration of the secondary literature; strong arguments for original interpretations of important problems; and the uncanny capacity to educate the beginner and stimulate the scholar....Certainly the best book on Socratic philosophy. Strongly recommended."--Choice
"[This book] can be read profitably by anyone interested in ancient Greek philosophy....Certainly one of the best introductions there is to Socratic thought....A superb analysis of Socratic philosophy, which can be recommended without hesitation to students and specialists alike."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"This excellent book...has numerous virtues: clear, detailed examination of the texts, which enables the reader to wrestle firsthand with the questions in context; wide-ranging, fair consideration of the secondary literature; strong arguments for original interpretations of important problems; and the uncanny capacity to educate the beginner and stimulate the scholar....Certainly the best book on Socratic philosophy. Strongly recommended."--Choice
"The best general study of Plato's Socrates....The book is clearly written and supplied with good indexes and a bibliography."--Ethics
"A brilliant collection of essays by the authors that set a standard in socratic studies that will be hard to match. Beautifully done!"--A.L. Herman, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
"This is a challenging, provocative, and sometimes controversial book....the active reader will be forced to ponder old problems afresh and thereby take part in a rich area of current philosophical concern."--International Studies in Philosophy
