The Last Days of Socrates

The trial and condemnation of Socrates (469-399 B.C.) 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 court-house, debating the nature of piety, while The Apology is his robust rebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defense of the philosopher’s life. In Crito, while awaiting execution in prison, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. Finally, in Phaedo, he is shown calmly confident in the face of death, skilfully arguing the case for the immortality of the soul. The vindication of Socrates and the pathos of his death are admirably conveyed in Hugh Tredennick’s modern translation.