
Socrates
William J. Prior(Author)
Polity Press
1st Edition
Published on 27. September 2019
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-5095-2973-5 (ISBN)
Description
Socrates is one the most important thinkers in western philosophy, yet he remains enigmatic, having left behind no works of his own. Instead, his thought is understood primarily through the work of his followers, particularly Plato. Yet Plato's dialogues can offer conflicting portraits of Socrates. On the one hand, he is portrayed as "barren of wisdom": he has questions but no answers. On the other, he appears to be "fertile": he has important things to say about those questions. Can he be both?
Although Plato's works focus on Socrates' questions, not his answers, a careful reading can reveal many of Socrates' likely views. In this accessible introduction, William Prior assesses Socrates the man, his famous trial, and the nature of his philosophy. He explores Socrates' intellectualism, conception of the good life, his religious views and his thoughts concerning justice. All the way through, Prior reflects on Socrates' distinctive method of asking questions, and the enormous influence he has had on philosophy to this day.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 231 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
476 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5095-2973-5 (9781509529735)
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
William J. Prior is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Santa Clara University.
Content
Acknowledgments
1 Socrates: His Times and Trial
2 Socratic Method
3 Knowledge and Ignorance
4 Piety
5 Virtue
6 Happiness
7 The State
8 From Socrates to Plato
9 Socrates' Legacy
Notes
References
Recommended Reading
Index


