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pingpongdude's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.0
jackson_kn64's review against another edition
4.0
I read the 1969 Penguin edition of this book, which was translated by Hugh Tredennick.
Written by Plato, this text is a testimony to the great philosopher, Socrates (469-399 BC). It is set out in four parts - Euthyphro, The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo. To clarify for new readers to this era, Plato held Socrates to the highest esteem, as any follower would to their prophet. Also in this work, the reader will notice how Socratic metaphysics inspired Plato’s own philosophies.
Having been accused by his fellow Athenians of heresy, by “corrupting the minds of the youth” and defying the existence (and divine authority) of the gods of Greece, Socrates is put on trial, and is ultimately condemned to death. The opening verse encompasses Socrates’ debate with a fellow Athenian, Euthyphro, outside the courtroom where Socrates is due to stand trial. Here, Socrates displays his wit and eloquence as he carefully pulls apart Euthyphro’s argument of the gods’ role in determining the nature of piety (virtue). Herein, Euthyphro’s dilemma originates. Part two, the Apology features Socrates standing trial (his first time in court). This is where he barters with his charge – he rejects exile, offers to pay a fine, and stoically accepts the jury’s decision to put him to death. In prison (thirdly), Socrates meets Crito – the man who offers to help Socrates escape. He refuses to become an outlaw of Athens; emphasising that to break one law, is to break all laws. His strict adherence and respect of the law over justice (in context) is displayed here. Unmoved by Crito’s attempts to persuade him otherwise, Socrates by this time has accepted his fate. Phaedo is the concluding testimony to Socrates’ final encounter with his fellow Athenians. Spoken by Phaedo (to his colleagues), a witness of Socrates’ last moments in prison before his death, he recalls Socrates’ debate with Cedes and Simmias about the eternal existence of the soul prior to birth, and beyond death. Here, Plato concludes the text by displaying his renowned ability to philosophise with a consistent prose, incrementally structuring complex concepts. I will be sure to read through this verse again, as it is so dense and well-structured, that it seemingly offers further insight to the serious studier. Overall, The Last Days of Socrates is a lucid recollection of Socratic philosophy on display. A must read for all whom are interested in the ideas from antiquity.
Written by Plato, this text is a testimony to the great philosopher, Socrates (469-399 BC). It is set out in four parts - Euthyphro, The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo. To clarify for new readers to this era, Plato held Socrates to the highest esteem, as any follower would to their prophet. Also in this work, the reader will notice how Socratic metaphysics inspired Plato’s own philosophies.
Having been accused by his fellow Athenians of heresy, by “corrupting the minds of the youth” and defying the existence (and divine authority) of the gods of Greece, Socrates is put on trial, and is ultimately condemned to death. The opening verse encompasses Socrates’ debate with a fellow Athenian, Euthyphro, outside the courtroom where Socrates is due to stand trial. Here, Socrates displays his wit and eloquence as he carefully pulls apart Euthyphro’s argument of the gods’ role in determining the nature of piety (virtue). Herein, Euthyphro’s dilemma originates. Part two, the Apology features Socrates standing trial (his first time in court). This is where he barters with his charge – he rejects exile, offers to pay a fine, and stoically accepts the jury’s decision to put him to death. In prison (thirdly), Socrates meets Crito – the man who offers to help Socrates escape. He refuses to become an outlaw of Athens; emphasising that to break one law, is to break all laws. His strict adherence and respect of the law over justice (in context) is displayed here. Unmoved by Crito’s attempts to persuade him otherwise, Socrates by this time has accepted his fate. Phaedo is the concluding testimony to Socrates’ final encounter with his fellow Athenians. Spoken by Phaedo (to his colleagues), a witness of Socrates’ last moments in prison before his death, he recalls Socrates’ debate with Cedes and Simmias about the eternal existence of the soul prior to birth, and beyond death. Here, Plato concludes the text by displaying his renowned ability to philosophise with a consistent prose, incrementally structuring complex concepts. I will be sure to read through this verse again, as it is so dense and well-structured, that it seemingly offers further insight to the serious studier. Overall, The Last Days of Socrates is a lucid recollection of Socratic philosophy on display. A must read for all whom are interested in the ideas from antiquity.
scribdecahedron's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
janacutie's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
feistyflamingo's review against another edition
challenging
funny
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reflective
slow-paced
4.0