Plato

Plato's most famous work and the bedrock of Western philosophy
Written in the form of a Socratic dialogue, The Republic is an investigation into the nature of an ideal society. In this far-reaching and profoundly influential treatise, Plato explores the concept of justice, the connection between politics and psychology, the difference between words and what they represent, and the roles of art and education, among many other topics....

Socrates spent a lifetime analysing ethical issues, and the Euthyphro finds him outside the court-house, still debating the nature of piety with an arrogant acquaintance. The Apology is both a robust rebuttal to the charges of impiety and corrupting young minds and a definitive defence of the philosopher's life. Later, condemned and imprisoned in the Crito, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. And finally, in the Phaedo,...

In "Gorgias," Plato explores the nature of rhetoric and its ethical implications. Through dialogues involving Socrates, Gorgias, and other characters, the text delves into the art of persuasion, morality, and the pursuit of true knowledge. It challenges the superficial use of rhetoric and advocates for virtue as the foundation of a just society. Read in English, unabridged.

Take a seat in the court of ancient Athens as Socrates goes on trial for his life. Hear the philosopher face his accusers with his trademark wit, his cutting logic, and the courage of his ideals. Consider his arguments on virtue, justice, politics, civic duty, love of life, and hope in death, and make your own judgment.Think. Question. Change.

"Laches" is a philosophical dialogue by Plato that explores the nature of courage and the role of education in developing moral virtue. The dialogue takes place between Socrates and two generals, Laches and Nicias, who are both renowned for their military expertise. Socrates begins by questioning Laches and Nicias about their understanding of courage. They both agree that courage involves endurance in the face of danger, but they struggle to define...

Apology by Plato is a crucial Socratic dialogue that provides an understanding of the philosopher's own views on the trial and execution of Socrates. The work serves as a defence speech given by Socrates as he attempts to persuade the court of his innocence. By providing an insight into his philosophical beliefs, Plato uses the Apology to articulate his teacher's thoughts on justice, virtue, piety and moral responsibility. Read in English, unabridged....

"Protagoras" is a dialogue by Plato, believed to have been written in the 4th century BCE. The dialogue centers around the character of Protagoras, a renowned sophist who claims to be able to teach virtue and excellence to others. Socrates, the main character and interlocutor in the dialogue, engages with Protagoras and his followers, challenging their ideas and methods. Throughout the dialogue, Protagoras and his followers argue that virtue can be...

"Parmenides" is one of Plato's dialogues in which the philosopher Parmenides visits Athens and engages in a philosophical conversation with a young Socrates. "Parmenides" is a complex and nuanced exploration of the nature of reality and the limits of human knowledge. Through the dialogue between Parmenides and Socrates, Plato explores the challenges of developing a coherent philosophical theory, as well as the importance of engaging in critical thinking...

Hippias of Elis travels throughout the Greek world practicing and teaching the art of making beautiful speeches. On a rare visit to Athens, he meets Socrates, who questions him about the nature of his art. Socrates is especially curious about how Hippias would define beauty. They agree that beauty makes all beautiful things beautiful, but when Socrates presses him to say precisely what he means, Hippias is unable to deliver such a definition. The...

Meno is a Platonic dialogue which addresses the question of whether virtue can be taught, and examines the concept of anamnesis. Through Socrates' questioning of Meno's slave, the dialogue suggests that knowledge is innate, with Socrates suggesting that all learning occurs through recollection of our prior knowledge rather than through instruction. Read in English, unabridged.