Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Plato and the Trial of Socrates

Plato is the most important philosopher in the history of Western philosophy. This guidebook introduces and examines his three dialogues that deal with the death of Socrates: "Euthphryo," "Apology" and "Crito," These dialogues are widely regarded as the closest exposition of Socrates' ideas.
"Plato and the Trial of Socrates" introduces and assesses:
* Plato's life and the background to the three dialogues
* The ideas and text in the three dialogues
* Plato's continuing importance to philosophy
"Plato and the Trial of Socrates" will be ideal for anyone coming to Plato or the three dialogues for the first time.

Socrates is one of the most influential philosophers in western civilisation, and Plato his most famous pupil. The Euthyphro, Apology of Socrates, Crito and the death scene from the Phaedo are Plato's account of Socrates' trial and execution, and together they provide the most important depiction of Socrates' ideas.In this GuideBook, Brickhouse and Smith provide clear explanations of these texts for students coming to them for the first time. Situating the works in their historical context, the authors carefully go through each text, exploring the philosophical issues raised in an accessible way. Plato and the Trial of Socrates is the ideal introduction to both the ideas of Socrates and the work of Plato.

Thomas Brickhouse is professor of Philosophy at Lynchburg College, USA. He is author of Socrates on Trial (OUP), Plato's Socrates (OUP) and Socrates the Philosopher (Westview).Nicholas Smith is professor of Philosophy at Lewis and Clark College, USA. He is author of many books on Plato and editor of Plato's Socrates with Thomas Brickhouse.