Description
Book SynopsisSocrates, as he is portrayed in Plato''s early dialogues, remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of philosophy. This book concerns six of the most vexing and often discussed features of Plato''s portrayal: Socrates'' methodology, epistemology, psychology, ethics, politics, and religion. Brickhouse and Smith cast new light on Plato''s early dialogues by providing novel analyses of many of the doctrines and practices for which Socrates is best known. Included are discussions of Socrates'' moral method, his profession of ignorance, his denial of akrasia, as well as his views about the relationship between virtue and happiness, the authority of the State, and the epistemic status of his daimonion. By revealing the many interconnections among Socrates'' views on a wide variety of topics, this book demonstrates both the richness and the remarkable coherence of the philosophy of Plato''s Socrates.
Trade Reviewa detailed and well-structured analysis of the philosophy of Socrates, supported by a wealth of preference to Plato's early dialogues ... Their exposition is clear and cogent, and their readings maintain a high degree of plausibility. * F.R. Pickering, University of North London, The Classical Review, XLV, 2, 95 *
an important new work in the rapidly growing field of Socratic studies. ... They have provided a fuller and more challenging account of Socrates as a philosopher which is both intelligible to the modern mind, and yet, potentially, highly critical of it. * Polis, vol.14, 1997 *
