Socrates (2nd Edition)

A Very Short Introduction

De: C.C.W. Taylor

Narrado por: Michael Page

Socrates has a unique position in the history of philosophy; it is no exaggeration to say that had it not been for his influence on Plato, the whole development of Western philosophy might have been unimaginably different. Yet Socrates wrote nothing himself, and our knowledge of him is derived primarily from the engaging and infuriating figure who appears in Plato's dialogues.

In this Very Short Introduction audiobook, Christopher Taylor explores the life of Socrates and his philosophical activity, before looking to the responses his philosophical doctrines have evoked in the centuries since his betrayal and execution at fellow Athenian hands. Examining the relationship between the historical Socrates and the Platonic character, Taylor considers the complex question of how far it is possible to distinguish the philosopher's own thought from that of those others who wrote about him, and explores the enduring image of Socrates as the ideal exemplar of the philosophic life-thinker whose moral and intellectual integrity permeated every detail of his life. This new edition also includes a new chapter analyzing the reception and influence of Socrates in 19th- and 20th-century philosophical thought.

©2019 C. C. W. Taylor (P)2021 Tantor

A master class in the interpretation of ancient texts.

Socrates is like many other figures of ancient times in that he is known to us pretty much totally by what other more or less contemporary people said about him, read or wrote about him, did about him, what he himself is reported to have said or done about various contemporaries and current events - or not. There is no actual documentary "first edition" to refer to. The process of interpreting the evidence, weighing the confirmations and contradictions, and picking out what is totally unknowable from his time to ours is - extremely arduous and tentative - however intriguing or fascinating any conclusions might be. This book pulls no punches about that.

Unhelpful

The author appears to use Socrates as an excuse to lay out his own philosophy. Arguing with Socrates rather than telling us about him.