Penguin Classics: The Last Days Of Socrates

The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy and corrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of Classical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato also developed his own philosophy, based on Socrates’ manifesto for a life guided by self-responsibility.

‘Euthyphro’ finds Socrates outside the courthouse, debating the nature of piety, while ‘The Apology’ is his robust rebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defence of the philosopher’s life. In ‘The Crito’, while awaiting execution in prison, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. Finally, in ‘The Phaedo’, he is shown calmly confident in the face of death, skilfully arguing the case for the immortality of the soul.

Hugh Tredennick’s landmark 1954 translation has been revised by Harold Tarrant, reflecting changes in Platonic studies, with an introduction and expanded introductions to each of the four dialogues.