Apology
A concise introduction to Socrates, philosophical examination, and Plato’s dialogue form.
Author guide
Plato Books in Order
Plato (c. 427–347 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle, and founder of the Academy in Athens. Nearly all of his surviving writings take the form of philosophical dialogues addressing ethics, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, education, mathematics, and aesthetics.
ancient Greek philosophyphilosophical dialogueethicspolitical philosophymetaphysicsepistemology
Catalog record updated .
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Euthyphro
A short, accessible inquiry into piety and the problem of definition.
Meno
Introduces virtue, recollection, inquiry, and the possibility of knowledge.
Symposium
A vivid exploration of love, beauty, desire, and philosophical ascent.
Republic
Plato’s central sustained treatment of justice, education, politics, and the good.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Nonfiction (25)
- Euthyphro
philosophical dialogue
In the Meno, Anytus had parted from Socrates with the significant words: 'That in any city, and particularly in the city of Athens, it is easier to do men harm than to do them good;' and Socrates was anticipating another opportunity of…
- Crito
philosophical dialogue
"Crito" by Plato depicts a conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito of Alopece regarding justice, injustice, and the appropriate response to injustice after Socrates's imprisonment, which is chronicled in the Apology. In…
- Phaedo
philosophical dialogue
"A first rate translation at a reasonable price." -- Michael Rohr, Rutgers University
- Cratylus
philosophical dialogue
The Cratylus has always been a source of perplexity to the student of Plato. While in fancy and humour, and perfection of style and metaphysical originality, this dialogue may be ranked with the best of the Platonic writings, there has…
- Theaetetus
philosophical dialogue
- Sophist
philosophical dialogue
Une introduction de près de 70 pages, des notes (70 pages), quatre annexes en relations avec le sujet et une bibliographie accompagnent la traduction française de l'oeuvre de Platon. [SDM].
- Statesman
philosophical dialogue
An annotated and modified version of the translation published by Aris and Phillips Ltd. A model of accuracy and fluency, Christopher Rowe's translation of Statesman--as modified for publication in Plato, Complete Works (Hackett…
- Philebus
philosophical dialogue
A translation of Plato's dialogue on the nature of pleasure and its relation to thought and knowledge. It includes a cogent introduction, notes, and comprehensive bibliography.
- Symposium
philosophical dialogue
One of the most famous works of literature in the Western world, Plato's Symposium is also one of the most entertaining. The scene is a dinner party in Athens in 416 B.C. at which the guests - including the comic poet Aristophanes and…
- Phaedrus
philosophical dialogue
he Phaedrus by Plato, is a dialogue between Plato's protagonist, Socrates, and Phaedrus, an interlocutor in several dialogues. The Phaedrus was presumably composed around 370 BC, about the same time as Plato's Republic and Symposium…
- Charmides
philosophical dialogue
- Laches
philosophical dialogue
Bryn Mawr Commentaries provide clear, concise, accurate, and consistent support for students making the transition from introductory and intermediate texts to the direct experience of ancient Greek and Latin literature. They assume that…
- Lysis
philosophical dialogue
- Euthydemus
philosophical dialogue
- Protagoras
philosophical dialogue
"First published as a World's classics paperback 1996; reissued as an Oxford world's classics paperback 2002; reissued 2009"--T.p. verso.
- Gorgias
philosophical dialogue
"This is an excellent translation. It achieves a very high standard of accuracy and readability, two goals very difficult to attain in combination when it comes to such a master of prose and philosophical argument as Plato. Because of…
- Meno
philosophical dialogue
Text and essays edited by Malcom Brown: St. Augustine / From On the teacher ; G.W. Leibniz / From Discourse on metaphysics ; Friedrich Nietzsche / From Introduction to the study of the Platonic dialogues ; F.M. Cornford / Anamnesis; Karl…
- Lesser Hippias
philosophical dialogue
- Ion
philosophical dialogue
- Menexenus
philosophical dialogue
- Republic
philosophical dialogue
The Republic is a Socratic dialogue, written by Plato around 380 BC, concerning the definition of justice, the order and character of the just city-state and the just man-for this reason, ancient readers used the name On Justice as an…
- Timaeus
philosophical dialogue
This is an English translation of Plato's dialogue concerning speculation on the nature of the physical world and human beings. An extensive introduction provides careful insights to the reading of the work, the nature of Platonic…
- Critias
philosophical dialogue
There is a well-known saying that the whole of Western Philosophy is footnotes of Plato. This is because his writings have set the schema that philosophy can be said to have followed ever since. Following the teachings of Socrates,…
- Laws
philosophical dialogue
Essays and speeches (1)
- Apology
philosophical speech-dialogue
The Apology of Socrates was written by Plato. In fact, it’s a defensive speech of Socrates that he said in a court noted down by Plato.The main subject of the speech is a problem of the evil. Socrates insists that neither death nor death…
Frequently asked questions about Plato
Who was Plato?
Plato was an ancient Athenian philosopher and writer whose surviving works mainly take the form of philosophical dialogues.
When did Plato live?
Plato is conventionally dated to about 429/428–347 BCE, although the exact years of his birth and death remain uncertain.
Sources: iep.utm.edu (opens in a new tab)plato.stanford.edu (opens in a new tab)
What was Plato known for during his career?
Plato taught philosophy and founded the Academy in Athens, an influential center for philosophical discussion and education.
Source: iep.utm.edu (opens in a new tab)
Who influenced Plato?
Socrates was Plato’s primary influence, while scholars also identify the impact of Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Pythagorean thinkers.
Sources: iep.utm.edu (opens in a new tab)plato.stanford.edu (opens in a new tab)
Why is Plato important today?
Plato profoundly shaped Western philosophy through his questions about ethics, politics, knowledge, and reality, and his ideas inspired Platonist traditions across later history.