I haven't read this book, but for some reason Goodreads recommended it to me just because I'm in the middle of reading Dostoyevsky's short stories. I find that odd. Or rather, is it interesting? Oh Algorithm, what are you trying to tell me?

I had mixed opinions as I read through Euthyphro, The Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Phaedrus. I found myself not agreeing with Socrates on one hand, while being fascinated by what he said on the other. It was especially interesting to see ideas that have clearly made their way into the present.

I found it helpful to listen to videos or written summaries by professors who were willing to share what they know about these texts. I would have missed some things if I hadn’t done so.

Socrates: "Indeed tell me, what do you say is holy and what do you say is unholy?"

Socrates: "A holy thing, because it is holy, is it being loved by the gods, or because it is being loved by the gods, is it a holy thing?"

A classic of Western Civilization.

I had already read Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito, so I will not review those. Phaedo is a very useful work for understanding Plato's metaphysics. It's discussion of the soul is foundational to Western philosophy. Phaedrus does not seem as significant of a work, and its eroticism is a bit off-putting.

Socrates' attempt to have Euthyphro define piety, while awaiting his own trial on the charge of impiety, cracks me up. I enjoy the reasoning, the grand circle, and Euthyphro's sudden need to get along to other matters at the end. Surprisingly funny for the seriousness and consequences soon to fall upon Socrates.

Loeb library is unrivalled

What I liked:
- The dialogic format; Plato clearly preferred speech to writing (see Phaedrus)
- The Apology. Socrates as a character is introduced here.
- The Phaedo. Definitely the best of the dialogues.
- Plato’s cosmology was interesting (can you say ‘Platonic Plate Tectonics’ 10 times fast?). We are like fish living in the air; Water => Air => Ether.
- The death of Socrates was also amazing. “Keep quiet and be brave.”

What I didn’t like:
- Crito was dumb. In my opinion, Plato has his social contract all twisted. The state ought to be the obligor of the individual.
- Euthyphro was a yawn

One thing that I like about Socrates is that he was a believer. How many people believe in things anymore, even to the death?

One of the very best Loeb editions, in my opinion.

A fascinating read in political philosophy and far more accessible than I expected. I suppose they don't call Socrates the great teacher for nothing.

I've read just three of the works in this title: Apology, Crito and Phaedo (the section on "The Death of Socrates").

A powerful combination of logic and faith--reminds me of the great apologist C.S. Lewis--or should I say vice versa?