• The Trial and Death of Socrates

  • By: Plato
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (94 ratings)

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The Trial and Death of Socrates  By  cover art

The Trial and Death of Socrates

By: Plato
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Publisher's summary

The Trial and Death of Socrates presents the trial and subsequent execution of Socrates in 399 BCE. Socrates was tried on the basis of two ambiguous charges: corrupting the youth and impiety. “Euthyphro”, one of Plato's early dialogues, takes place during the weeks leading up to Socrates' trial. “Apology” is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he defends himself against the charges of being a man "who corrupted the young, refused to worship the gods, and created new deities". “Crito”, a short dialogue by Plato, is a conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito regarding justice, injustice, and the appropriate response to injustice. “Phaedo”, depicts the death of Socrates, and is Plato's last dialogue covering Socrates’ final days.

Public Domain (P)2010 Alpha DVD LLC

What listeners say about The Trial and Death of Socrates

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Examined Life!

I haven't done much Plato since my college years. I loved the Apology, and the first 2/3 of Phaedo and I enjoyed the rest (Euthyphro, Crito, and end of Phaedo). I loved coming across phrases and quotes that I've heard again and again: "The unexamined life is not worth living... is there not one true coin, for which all things ought to exchange?--and that is wisdom... As for me, all I know is that I know nothing..." Amen.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Understandable

This was the most understandable means of absorbing Plato's dialogues that I have encountered. The reader is very good at playing Socrates as the lovable curmudgeon. The only thing that could have improved this was to have other actors play the other parts. I was sometimes confused as to who was speaking. In summary it was more like listening to a conversation than reading a dry book on philosophy.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent narration of a difficult genre

Would you listen to The Trial and Death of Socrates again? Why?

This is a genre that Plato has almost entirely to himself. It's not quite drama, not quite short story, and not quite nonfiction. I wasn't sure how it would work on audio, but Dick Hill did an amazing job bringing these classics to life.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Socrates as philosopher

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. To understand Socrates and understand about how his philosophy relates to how we live today.

What did you like best about this story?

Socrates philosophy.

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

The way he read the character of Socrates.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

How it relates to today.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Socrates Makes my Head Hurt!

Would you listen to The Trial and Death of Socrates again? Why?

Yes, I have listened to this book several times. Dick Hill's enactment of Socrates engages the listener and holds the attention.

What other book might you compare The Trial and Death of Socrates to and why?

no comparison

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Dick Hill makes Socrates' character very believable. I can picture standing before the forum presenting his case.

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