Early Dialogues: Apology, Crito, Charmides, Laches, Lysis, Euthyphro, Ion (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781397668769)

In Early Dialogues, readers encounter the foundational texts of Western philosophy through the voice of Socrates, as captured by his student Plato. These dialogues preserve the essence of Socratic thought, showcasing discussions on ethics, virtue, justice, and the examined life.

Composed during Plato's early period, they are notable for their emphasis on inquiry over doctrine, reflecting the philosophical method Socrates practiced in Athens before his execution. Set against the backdrop of a city in intellectual and political flux, the dialogues offer rare insight into the moral and social concerns of classical Greece. Through dynamic exchanges and relentless questioning, Plato presents a model of philosophy as a way of life rather than a body of knowledge.

These early works not only illuminate the mind of Socrates but also lay the groundwork for centuries of philosophical reflection. Early Dialogues endures as a vital entry point into the enduring legacy of Greek thought.