Your first choice is one of the most famous of Plato's writings,
the Apology
. This is Plato's version of Socrates' court speech. It's very short, yet it gives us all sorts of extraordinary things. On first reading it is a brilliant piece of forensic oratory.
What book should I read about Socrates?
| 1 The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens, and the Search for the Good Life by Bettany Hughes 3.97 avg rating — 866 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted | 3 Socrates: A Man for Our Times by Paul Johnson 3.72 avg rating — 1,122 ratings score: 174, and 2 people voted |
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What is the best order to read Plato?
According to Iamblichus, for example, the First Alcibiades should be read first, then Gorgias,
Phaedo
, then Cratylus, Theaetetus, Sophist, Statesman, Phaedrus, Symposium, Philebus, and finally Timaeus and Parmenides.
Should I read Plato before Aristotle?
With many philosophers, the idea of reading their major works in chronological order is a good one; unfortunately,
there are no reliable records as to
the order of composition of the works of Plato and Aristotle (and Socrates, of course, left no writings), so you're completely out of luck in that regard.
Are there any books by Socrates?
Four Texts on Socrates: Plato's “
Euthyphro”
, “Apology of Socrates”, and “Crito” and Aristophanes' “Clouds”
Does Socrates have works?
Plato and Xenophon
Xenophon discusses Socrates in four of his works:
the Memorabilia, the Oeconomicus, the Symposium, and the Apology of Socrates
.
What is the famous work of Socrates?
469–399 BC) is known as one of the founders of Western philosophy, yet very few records survive about his life and work. … He gave his name to the famous
Socratic method of questioning
, also known as elenchus. Perhaps the most famous quote by Socrates is, “The one thing I know is that I know nothing.”
Is Plato difficult to read?
Plato is complicated and demands re-readings and re-interpretations
. That's what makes him great, so just keep at it. I'd start with the Republic, even though it's probably his densest dialogue. You can also try something like “Philosophy for Beginners” by Richard Osborne.
Which Aristotle should I read first?
You can tackle Aristotle's works however you want, but you'd probably want to start with
the Nicomachean Ethics or the Politics first
(typically most people read the NE and then the Politics right after).
Where do I start with philosophy?
- Plato, The Last Days of Socrates — this includes four dialogues: the Euthyphro , the Apology , the Crito , and the Phaedo.
- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics.
- Epictetus, Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
- Augustine of Hippo, Confessions.
- Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy.
Is Aristotle difficult to read?
Aristotle can be tough
, partly because some of what we have of his is kinda like lecture notes. … In addition to reading the Aristotle, you could 2) Try reading something that tries to summarize Aristotle, like this Very Short Introduction to Ancient Philosophy.
Who is the father of philosophy?
Socrates
is known as the “Father of Western Philosophy.
What was Plato's main philosophy?
In metaphysics Plato envisioned a systematic, rational treatment of the forms and their interrelations, starting with the most fundamental among them (the Good, or the One); in ethics and moral psychology he developed the view that
the good life
requires not just a certain kind of knowledge (as Socrates had suggested) …
Does Socrates believe in God?
Socrates: Early Years
Socrates was born and lived nearly his entire life in Athens. … Although he never outright rejected the standard Athenian view of religion, Socrates'
beliefs were nonconformist
. He often referred to God rather than the gods, and reported being guided by an inner divine voice.
Who did Socrates learn from?
Socrates wrote nothing. All that is known about him has been inferred from accounts by members of his circle—primarily Plato and Xenophon—as well as by
Plato's student Aristotle
, who acquired his knowledge of Socrates through his teacher.
What was Socrates philosophy?
Philosophy. Socrates believed that
philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society
. He attempted to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. Socrates pointed out that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness.
