Books by Plato

Plato's Dialogues rank among Western civilization's most important and influential philosophical works. With Socrates as the central disputant in a series of arguments, they probe a broad range of enduringly relevant issues. All 6 of these works feature authoritative translations by the distinguished classical scholar Benjamin Jowett.

The symposium concerns the genesis, purpose and nature of love. Love is examined by men attending a symposium. Each man must deliver a speech in praise of Love (Eros). The dialogue has been used as a source by social historians seeking to throw light on life in ancient Athens, in particular upon sexual behavior.

The Final Days of Socrates is a book of four dialogues by Plato-Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo-centering, as most of Plato's dialogues do, around Socrates. These four dialogues cover the time leading up to Socrates' trial and through his death and depiction of the afterlife. Euthyphro concerns Socrates and Euthyphro, a known so-called religious expert, as they try to determine a definition for piety. Apology is Plato's version of Socrates' speech as he defends himself against the criminal charges of corrupting the youth and not believing in the same deities as the state. The Crito is a dialogue between Socrates and a friend about justice, injustice, and the reaction to injustice. Finally Phaedo, one of Plato's most famous Socratic dialogues, depicts the death of Socrates and his argument for the existence of an afterlife. All four works are also included in the Cosimo omnibus editions of The Works of Plato.One of the greatest Western philosophers who ever lived, PLATO (c. 428-347 B.C.) was a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. Plato was greatly influenced by Socrates' teachings, often using him as a character in scripts and plays (Socratic dialogues), which he used to demonstrate philosophical ideas. Plato's dialogues were and still are used to teach a wide range of subjects, including politics, mathematics, rhetoric, logic, and, naturally, philosophy.