Philosophy of Socrates

This text provides an introduction to Socrates—both the charismatic, controversial historical figure and the essential Socratic philosophy. Written at a beginning level but incorporating recent scholarship, The Philosophy of Socrates offers numerous translations of pertinent passages. As they present these passages, Nicholas Smith and Thomas Brickhouse demonstrate why these passages are problematic, survey the interpretive and philosophical options, and conclude with brief defenses of their own proposed solutions. Throughout, the authors rely on standard translations to parallel accompanying assigned primary source readers. Each chapter concludes with an annotated bibliography of suggested readings.

Nicholas D. Smith is James F. Miller Professor of Humanities at Lewis and Clark College. In addition to his work with Brickhouse, Smith has published numerous articles and has served as an editor on several collections. In 1985, Smith won the American Philological Association’s Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Classics.Thomas C. Brickhouse is professor of philosophy at Lynchburg College and co-author (with N.D. Smith) of Socrates on Trial (1989) and Plato’s Socrates (1994). He has also published several articles on Plato and Aristotle. Nicholas D. Smith is James F. Miller Professor of Humanities at Lewis and Clark College. In addition to his work with Brickhouse, Smith has published numerous articles and has served as an editor on several collections. In 1985, Smith won the American Philological Association’s Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Classics.Thomas C. Brickhouse is professor of philosophy at Lynchburg College and co-author (with N.D. Smith) of Socrates on Trial (1989) and Plato’s Socrates (1994). He has also published several articles on Plato and Aristotle.